The Atlético Mineiro coach acknowledged Boca Juniors' favoritism, analyzed the differences in physical wear between both squads, and assured that his team will be prepared to pursue the title
"We were competitive until the semifinals of the Copa de Brasil, we finished seventh in the Campeonato Brasileiro without relegation problems. I spoke with the players and I think we did something right", said the coach, who took on the challenge of leading Galo in a season filled with commitments.
The countdown to the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final is entering its decisive phase and the protagonists are already feeling the anticipation for the match that will determine the new champion. While Boca is going through a good moment after winning the Annual Table and qualifying for the final of the Copa Argentina, Atlético Mineiro arrives with a different reality, marked by a streak of seven matches without victories. In this context, Eduardo Domínguez broke the silence and analyzed various aspects of the final that will take place next Saturday, November 21 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
After the goalless draw against Mirassol in the 34th round of the Brasileirão, the Argentine coach acknowledged the favoritism of Rodolfo Arruabarrena's team and highlighted both its history and the quality of its squad. "It is normal for Boca to be considered the favorite. It is one of the biggest clubs in Argentina and the continent, one of the greatest winners of the Copa Libertadores, its economy is strong, they have a great coach and also have great players, both experienced and young. But we have to focus on our work", he expressed.
On the other hand, the Barba emphasized the differences that exist between the seasons of both countries and pointed out that physical wear could be an important factor heading into the decisive match. "There is a big difference, the competition in Argentina is very different and Brazilian football comes in a streak of very intense matches", he explained.
In that line, he provided some numbers to illustrate the demands that Atlético Mineiro had to face during the year: "We have traveled more than 20,000 kilometers, we have played 66 matches this year and they have played 52". He also noted that Argentine football involves fewer matches and travels, although he defended his team's campaign in the various competitions.
Another topic that arose during the conference was the pressure of playing in a new international final, especially after the recent frustrations of the Brazilian team: they lost the Copa Libertadores 2024 and the Sudamericana 2025. "I have to look at my players, look at the group, how we are. If you think we have pressure because of the last years where we didn't win the finals we reached, Boca hasn't won an international final in 18 years, 18... who has more pressure?", he questioned. He added: "They hadn't won anything in the country for three years, who has more pressure? So, the pressure is how you believe in what you do, and we believe a lot".
Beyond the statistics and the history, the coach highlighted the importance of arriving at the final with a group convinced of its possibilities. "Today was a demonstration of the strength of the group, how we are preparing as a group for that final. We will arrive well, we will arrive strong and we will go with the mindset to win", he assured.
Finally, Domínguez emphasized that the development of a final is different from any other match and that the previous performance of the two teams will not necessarily impact the result. "It is a final. It is different from everything else. Even if you are a champion in Argentina, even if you are in the final of the Copa Argentina, it is a single match. We want to win, and to win we have to be strong as a group. It doesn't matter how they arrive or how we arrive. I know we will arrive strong", he concluded.
