Clube Atlético Mineiro

Despite winning the state championship a record 50 times, Clube Atlético Mineiro has seen little success at national and international level. This didn’t impede the club’s popularity, however; at €143 million, they have the 8th most valuable brand in Brazil. In addition to its nickname (Galo, meaning “rooster”), the club is known for its traditional black-and-white home kit and a cross-city rivalry with Cruzeiro.

History

Foundation and early achievements

Atlético was founded in 1908 by a group of 22 students from Belo Horizonte. Originally, the club’s name was Athletico Mineiro Foot Ball Club; five years later, it was officially changed to Clube Atlético Mineiro. In 1915, the club won its first Campeonato Mineiro, a feat it would later repeat more than 40 times.

Though Atlético continued to perform reasonably well in the state competitions, the club’s early years are mostly remembered for its 1950 European tour. That year, after claiming another state championship, Atlético embarked on a tour that saw them play 10 games in five European countries. This was the first tour of its kind in Brazilian football, and this historic achievement saw the club get praised by national sports media.

Success in the seventies

After a long period of underwhelming performances during the 60’s, the club responded by hiring Telé Santana as head coach. In Telé’s very first season with the club, Atlético put an end to Cruzeiro’s dominance by claiming its first state title in 7 years. In 1971, they went one step further and won the inaugural Campeonato Brasileiro, which remains their only major national trophy to this day.

Soon enough, the mid-70’s gave rise to a talented new generation led by Reinaldo, Éder, and Toninho Cerezo. This led to Atlético winning 6 straight state championships and placing second in the 1977 Brasilerão.

The controversial final match against São Paulo is still a sore spot for the club’s fans, as Reinaldo -- the league’s top scorer with 1.56 goals per game -- was banned from playing. Some believe he was punished for raising his fists while celebrating his goals, which was considered a political symbol against the Brazilian military government. Atlético continued to perform well during the 80’s, but the finals and semifinals remained too tough a hurdle.

New-century resurgence

From 1990 to 2010, the club’s fortunes were constrained by financial turmoil, which eventually led to Atlético becoming one of the most indebted clubs in Brazilian football. By 2012, however, most of these struggles seemed like a bad dream, especially once the club managed to secure the services of Ronaldinho.

Following two consecutive Campeonato Mineiro titles, Atlético finally made a mark at the international scene during the 2013 Copa Libertadores. After a dramatic saved penalty by Victor in the injury time of the quarter-final, it seemed like the club’s historic jinx was finally broken. Atlético proved this theory correct by defeating Newell’s Old Boys and Olimpia on the way to their first ever Copa Libertadores title.

By Martin Wahl

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clube_Atlético_Mineiro
https://www.thefinalball.com/equipa.php?id=2229