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The main disputes between these two teams began years after Cruzeiro, originally named Sociedade Esportiva Palestra Itália, was founded in 1921. However, it was in the 1940s that the rivalry strengthened and became the largest derby in Minas Gerais, rivaling any other football competition in the state during the 1960s.

At the time being, Atlético competes in several sport modalities; however, it has an excellent historical record in football, providing the most international-class players of any football club from Minas Gerais. In contrast, Cruzeiro, which holds the largest number of national football titles, is considered the second most popular football club in Minas.

It's interesting to mention that even though both teams hold a historic rivalry in football, a study reveals that each team has unique fan characteristics. Atlético fans are predominantly males (76%) from high-income neighborhoods (41%.) While Cruzeiro has a contrasting audience: with more than 50% of fans being female and having a prevalence of income ranging from middle (32%) to high levels (28%).