AMERICA MINEIRO
Coach: Vagner Mancini State: Minas Gerais
Traditional but modest Belo Horizonte club who have put together two solid top-flight seasons since their promotion in 2020, and even made their Libertadores debut last year. Only Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro have won more Minas Gerais regional state championships.
ATHLETICO PARANAENSE
Coach: Paulo Turra State: Parana
Brazilian champions in 2001, last year’s Copa Libertadores runners-up are an ambitious, well-run outfit who consistently punch well above their weight. The new coach also represents continuity: Turra was assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has moved upstairs. Cup specialists.