Brasileirão 2012: The Run In
September 5, 2012
Atletico Mineiro gain a slight advantage over their rivals in the first half of the season while Fluminense look the most likely to put the pressure on in the run in.
Atletico Mineiro are currently the leaders in the 2012 title race. The Belo Horizonte based club who last won the national championship in 1971, have amassed the same number of points as Fluminense despite having played one game less.
The club were not one of the pre-season favourites and as such have surprised many with the consistency they have shown over the past three months or so.
Much of their success has been attributed to the form Ronaldinho has displayed after his transfer from Flamengo just a handful of games into the season.
Ronaldinho has undoubtedly looked rejuvenated and demonstrated in this league he still is an influential player with the capability of changing a match. The team also includes the former Manchester city forward Jô who has netted seven times in the campaign. The coach, Cuca also has some younger talented players at his disposal in Bernard, the diminutive winger and Rever, their centre back captain. It will be interesting to see how their bounce back after the loss against the current champions, Corinthians on 2nd of September.
Naturally, " Galo" will struggle as and when injuries and suspensions are picked up but their adversaries will all face the same problems. Barring a disastrous second half to the season the club look set at the very least of guaranteeing a place in the top four and a place in next season's Libertadores competition. A stark contrast to last year`s campaign when Atletico secured a measly 45 points throughout the whole season, one more than currently have with eighteen games to play.
Fluminense are looking like the team most likely to put the pressure on and challenge Atletico in the final stages of the championship. Under the guidance of the experienced coach Abel Braga, the squad contains some big name players such as Fred, Deco and Tiago Neves.
Fred, has scored ten times this season and is currently the joint top leading league goal scorer and his presence invariably creates problems for opposition defences. Deco has been plagued by recent injury and his return to the team will be eagerly anticipated.
The fact that he has provided the second highest number of assists in the league highlights just how important his services are to the club. Fluminense have looked defensively solid for most of the campaign with the goalkeeper, Diego Cavalieri receiving a lot of media praise for his form. From the position they are in the club will certainly believe they have a great chance of matching their achievement in 2010 when they were crowned champions.
Among the remaining contenders, Gremio are currently not too far behind the top two. Their squad contains a wealth of experience in Ze Roberto, Gilberto Silva and Elano. The recent victory over their arch rivals, Internacional would have boosted confidence that the club can sustain a title challenge.
At home in Porto Alegre, they have been strong and Luxemburgo, their coach, will be hoping they can show a little more consistency on their travels. Perhaps their success will be hinge on the form of their striker, Kleber.
Vasco de Gama's hopes cannot be completely written off yet but their recent form has been erratic and they have consequently lost ground on the leaders. Ney Franco has not had a smooth start to his managerial post at São Paulo and the club will need to finish very strongly to surpass the three clubs ahead of them.
The squad has been ravaged by players being away on international duty, particularly during the Olympics, and also injuries to key personnel. However with Luis Fabiano back leading the line and Lucas looking to end his time at São Paulo on a high before he moves to France, they should have enough to finish in the top four.
© Paul Tobitt & Soccerphile.com
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