In the 1997 season, Galo achieved a significant international triumph by winning the prestigious Copa CONMEBOL for a record second time, defeating Argentina's Lanús 5-2 on aggregate. Domestically, the squad displayed strong form and celebrated a major victory by capturing the Copa Centenário de Belo Horizonte. Managed during the latter half of the year by Emerson Leão, the team featured stellar performances from top goalscorer Valdir, alongside key contributions from Bruno and Jorginho.