O Atlético Mineiro de 2012 foi vice-campeão do Campeonato Brasileiro, atrás do Fluminense, e se classificou direto para a fase de grupos da Libertadores de 2013 com Ronaldinho Gaúcho como principal estrela.
Atlético Mineiro 2012
Atlético Mineiro in 2012 was the runner-up in the Brazilian Championship, behind Fluminense, and secured direct qualification for the group stage of the 2013 Copa Libertadores. It was the season of Ronaldinho Gaúcho's arrival and the beginning of the team that would become champion of South America in 2013.
History
Atlético Mineiro entered the 2012 season with the mission to rebuild the squad and return to competing for national titles. Coach Cuca led the team, which played its matches at Independência Stadium in Belo Horizonte. The biggest reinforcement of the year was Ronaldinho Gaúcho, who arrived in June 2012 from Flamengo and became the team's leading technical player. The squad also featured young players and standout athletes, such as Bernard, Diego Tardelli, and defender Réver. In the Brazilian Championship, Atlético finished in second place, behind Fluminense, the season's champions. The campaign secured the club direct qualification for the group stage of the 2013 Copa Libertadores. The 2012 Brazilian runner-up title is considered the starting point of the cycle that, in 2013, led Galo to their unprecedented Libertadores title.