One of Brazil’s top teams in recent seasons, and the winner of the 2013 Copa Libertadores, Atlético Mineiro returns to the Florida Cup for a second consecutive year after taking victory in both of its contests at the tournament in 2016. With a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Robinho and Fred, the Roosters will be out to entertain again as they prepare for the new Serie A campaign.

NEED TO KNOW

Head Coach: Roger Machado Marques
League: Serie A
Schedule: Jan.  11 – vs. Bayer 04 Levekusen, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Jan. 14 – vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, Al Lang Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.

CLUB HISTORY

Founded in 1908, Atlético Mineiro has returned to the fore in Brazil in recent years with the club regaining the style and success that saw it claim a record 43 state championships. The club was also the home to numerous well-known names for the Seleção, including winger Eder, goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel and Coach Tele Santana, who twice led Brazil to the World Cup in 1982 and 1986.

Santana also led Atletico to its only national championship in 1971, but more recently Atlético claimed the Copa Libertadores four years ago, and will again take part in the competition this season after a fourth-place finish in Serie A in 2016 that saw the side recover from a slow start to sit in the top three for much of the second half of the season. The second-leading scorers in the league behind only champion Palmeiras, the Roosters should bring a high-flying style to the Sunshine State.