Tomás Cuello was the standout name in Atlético’s 3-0 thrashing of Grêmio this Sunday (16) at Arena MRV. On an afternoon with a packed house, the forward scored twice in just three minutes in the second half and was decisive in helping Galo build the result in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship.
The performance reinforces the leading role Cuello has been taking on this season. With the two goals, the Argentine reached six goals in 2026, moving level with Bernard as Atlético’s top scorer this year. In addition, he has six assists, totaling 12 direct goal involvements, a number that keeps him at the top of the squad in this category.
Two goals in three minutes
Cuello had already been one of Galo’s main attacking weapons when he appeared decisively in the final stage.
In the 17th minute, Atlético pressed Grêmio’s buildup and won the ball back. Cuello received it on the right, moved forward, and finished to extend Atlético’s lead.
Three minutes later, the forward found the net again. The move started on the left side, Bernard received the ball and tried to shoot, but it was blocked. On the rebound, it fell on the other side of the box, right to Cuello, who did not waste the opportunity.
With two goals in three minutes and a 3-0 scoreline, the Arena MRV erupted in celebration.
The goals also confirmed the importance of the forward in the team’s attacking play. Before the match, Cuello already led Atlético in direct goal involvements this season, with ten — four goals and six assists. Now, he has extended that mark to 12.
Numbers that explain his leading role
In addition to the two goals, Cuello was constantly involved in creating plays during the 35 minutes he was on the field in the second half.
According to SofaScore data, the forward finished the match with a 10 rating, recording four key passes, two big chances created, and seven crosses, one of them accurate. He also completed 23 of 31 passes (74%), with 19 successful out of 26 attempted in the opponent’s half.
The numbers help show that the performance was not limited to the goals. Cuello was involved in the attacking buildup, looked for the game out wide, and was one of Atlético’s main references in attack.
One of Galo’s top scorers in 2026
With six goals scored this year, Cuello has joined the group of Atlético’s top scorers in 2026.
The Argentine now shares the team’s scoring lead and, at the same time, tops the ranking for direct goal involvements, with 12 — six goals and six assists.
The mark confirms a trait the forward has shown since arriving at Galo: the ability to contribute not only by finishing plays, but also by setting up his teammates.
Cuello values the win and stays focused
After the match, the forward highlighted the importance of the result and stressed that the squad needs to keep its feet on the ground despite the good run of form.
Photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético
“We know how important it is to win, because we have to think about the top, let the celebration happen freely as we pursue the objective. It’s about being thankful and offering congratulations, for sure, but even more for the win and for the team’s current moment.”
Cuello also looked ahead to the rest of the season and stressed the need to keep working.
“Keep working, focus now on next Wednesday, because we have more ahead.”
Next Wednesday will be the rematch against Red Bull Bragantino, in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. Galo won the first meeting 1-0 away from home, with a goal from the No. 28.
Castaño earns praise
Cuello also took the opportunity to comment on Castaño’s debut for Atlético. The midfielder came on in the 16th minute of the second half and made his first appearance in the black-and-white shirt.
“He was very well received here at Atlético. He settled into the game quickly, showed that he has a lot of quality and a lot of personality. I’m sure he’ll help us throughout the year. I’m happy for him.”
Cuello left the field in the 35th minute of the second half, replaced by Dudu, after being directly involved in building the rout.
Another chapter in his good form
The performance against Grêmio comes at a special moment for Cuello. Last Wednesday, the forward had already scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino in the first leg of the Sudamericana round of 16.
Now, with two more goals, the Argentine has three goals in two consecutive matches and cements a run of attacking prominence.
Atlético, in turn, reached nine matches unbeaten with the rout over Grêmio.
And on a Sunday afternoon with a packed Arena MRV, Cuello was the one conducting the show on the pitch.
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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.