Iseppe Shines! Atlético Reaches the U-20 Semifinal and Sets Sights on the Sudamericana

The future is knocking on Atlético-MG’s door! Attacking midfielder Mateus Iseppe, the U-20 squad’s number 10, was the standout performer in the 2–1 win over Sport at Ilha do Retiro, securing the young Galo in the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil Sub-20.

His rise in the youth ranks now aligns with a crucial call-up: the young talent has been included in the squad for the Copa Sudamericana final against Lanús.

Mateus Iseppe became known for scoring the famous “goal Pelé never scored.” The historic moment happened when the Atlético-MG midfielder shined in the 3–1 win over Botafogo in the seventh round of the U-17 Brasileirão.

In stoppage time, with the calmness of someone who sees the game two steps ahead, the number 10 noticed the goalkeeper off his line and didn’t hesitate: he took a shot from midfield. The ball lifted high, followed the perfect trajectory, chipped the keeper, and kissed the post before settling into the net — drawing that classic chorus of admiration from the youth supporters in Vespasiano.

A Leading Role in the U-20 Team

Iseppe was crucial in Atlético’s qualification on Tuesday (18), proving once again that he is the team’s offensive engine:

• Decisive Scorer: He netted the first goal in the win over Sport.

• Key Playmaker: Iseppe was directly involved in the buildup that led to the second goal, which secured the semifinal spot.

The player himself celebrated both his individual performance and the group’s maturity in a tough away match:

“I’m very happy to have helped the team in such an important game. The group showed a lot of maturity and stayed focused. I managed to score, participate well in key plays, and that gives me even more confidence moving forward. We have big goals in the competition.”

Double Mission: Iseppe in Sampaoli’s Team

The 19-year-old’s excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed. In addition to being the main name in the U-20 squad, Iseppe has also been training and included in the professional roster for the Copa Sudamericana final — a clear sign that coach Jorge Sampaoli is keeping a close eye on the academy.

The midfielder has been training intensely with the first team and made himself fully available for the continental challenge:

• Accelerated Development: “Training with the professional squad has been raising my level every day,” said the number 10.

• Total Readiness: “Being called up for a continental final means a lot to me and my family. I’m prepared and ready to help professor Sampaoli in any way possible.”

The final against Lanús will be this Saturday (22), at 5 p.m., at Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción, Paraguay. Iseppe is yet another example that Atlético’s youth academy is strong and ready for the biggest stages!

#MateusIseppe #Galo #CopaDoBrasilSub20 #SudamericanaFinal #BaseForte

Read the full story at: https://www.galo360.com.br/2025/11/iseppe-brilha-atletico-vai-semifinal-do.html