Santos vs Atletico-MG - CONMEBOL Sudamericana

A fascinating CONMEBOL Sudamericana chapter awaits on September 9, 2026 when Santos take on Atletico-MG at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Santos sit 2nd, Atletico-MG lie 1st, but the CONMEBOL Sudamericana has a habit of defying such logic. Santos are in the midst of a difficult spell, WDDDD in their last five summing up a win rate of 16.67%. Atletico-MG have travelled reasonably well, W over their last five with a season win rate of 50%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.33 versus 1.33 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Following a two-year stint in Seattle, Ogwumike continues to produce elite numbers in her 2026 campaign, averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for the Sparks.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Santos will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Atletico-MG will back themselves to cause problems on the break. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

With Gabriel Barbosa leading the league's scoring charts at 5 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Michael Carrick wants a younger defender who can eventually succeed Luke Shaw, whose fitness record makes it difficult to rely on him throughout a demanding campaign.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Atletico-MG look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the CONMEBOL Sudamericana standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.