Ever since that spectacular 3rd place in their return to Série A in 2013, Atlético Paranaense has been establishing themselves as a upper half team on Brasileirão’s table. This year it was no different. A 7th place and a spot on Sul-Americana’s final will always be considered a successful season by Furacão’s fans. And it could have been even better if the team could match their home form when playing on the road. Atlético’s run of home games was impeccable after the World Cup break, having clinched an impressive sequence of 12 consecutive home victories. Furacão was best scoring team when playing at home, and only Palmeiras grabbed more points when visited.
The problem was the team’s form when playing on the road. Atlético was pretty much harmless every time they had to leave Arena da Baixada. Furacão had only two win away from home, the very two last games against Vitória and season’s closing against Flamengo. They will be playing Sula’s final against Colombian side Junior Barranquilla after a remarkable campaign that saw them being completely dominant over the likes of Fluminense, Caracas FC or Peñarol.
The secret for this successful season was a solid lineup that after that dreadful August transfer window was barely untouched. Lucho Gonzalez class was backed up by Wellington and Bruno Guimarães’ vitality in the midfield. Raphael Veiga had an intermittent season playing as the team’s no. 10, but the highs most certainly compensated the lows with the midfield grabbing an interesting sum of 7 league goals. Marcelo Cirino was an important signing in August, having improved the team’s ability to create chances, while Pablo confirmed his talent as a cultured striker. The solid back four and goalkeeper Aderbar Santos was perhaps the team’s most valuable asset, though. And the best unit throughout the season was unquestionably the exciting left-back Renan Lodi who shouldn’t take too long to get access to a strong European club.
