<p>Brazilian football's most passionate rivalry takes centre stage as Atletico Mineiro host Cruzeiro <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/americas/brazilian-cup">in a Copa do Brasil quarter-final</a> that promises to set Belo Horizonte ablaze. The Classico Mineiro rarely disappoints, and with a spot in the semi-finals at stake, both sides will be desperate to claim bragging rights in this winner-takes-all encounter.</p> <p>The contrast between these fierce rivals couldn't be starker heading into today’s showdown. Cruzeiro arrive as Brazilian football's form team, sitting pretty in third place in the Brasileirao and riding the crest of a wave that's seen them emerge as genuine title contenders after their return to the top flight.</p> <p>Atletico Mineiro, meanwhile, find themselves languishing in 12th position domestically - a disappointing campaign that has left Galo supporters frustrated and demanding better. Their inconsistent league form stands in sharp contrast to their historical dominance over their cross-city rivals.</p> <p>However, derby matches have a habit of throwing form guides out the window, and Atletico will take heart from their remarkable six-match unbeaten streak against Cruzeiro. In these heated encounters, pride and passion often matter more than league positions.</p> <h2>Arena MRV Advantage</h2> <p>Playing at their imposing Arena MRV gives Atletico a crucial psychological edge. The stadium was specifically designed to create an intimidating atmosphere, and there's no fixture that brings out the partisan support quite like the Classico Mineiro.</p> <p>Galo's home record this season has been mixed - four wins, three draws, and one loss - but the unique dynamics of derby football could inspire a performance that their league form doesn't necessarily suggest. The crowd will be their 12th man in what promises to be a cauldron of noise and emotion.</p> <p>For Cruzeiro, silencing the home support early will be crucial. Raposa have shown excellent mental strength throughout their impressive league campaign, but playing away to their bitterest rivals in a knockout fixture presents challenges that regular season football simply cannot replicate.</p> <h2>Atletico Mineiro vs Cruzeiro Prediction</h2> <p>Form may favour Cruzeiro, but derby matches operate by different rules entirely. Atletico's recent dominance in this fixture, combined with home advantage and the desperation that comes from underperforming in the league, could provide the perfect storm for an upset.</p> <p>Expect a typically cagey affair with both sides knowing that one mistake could end their Copa do Brasil dreams. The quality difference between the squads isn't enormous, and motivation levels will be through the roof on both sides.</p> <p>Prediction: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/americas/brazilian-cup/atletico-mg-v-cruzeiro-mg-9514038">Atletico Mineiro to edge a tight encounter 2-1</a>, extending their unbeaten derby run and advancing to the Copa do Brasil semi-finals. Home advantage and derby nous to prove decisive in a classic Classico Mineiro.</p>