Is the word atrasados the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No.

While the word atrasados is spelled identically in both dialects and shares the same core meaning (late, delayed, or behind schedule), there is a difference in typical usage.

In Brazilian Portuguese, it is very common to use the adjective "atrasado(s)" directly to describe things like bills, tasks, or people. In Continental Portuguese, while "atrasados" is perfectly understood, there is a strong preference for using the prepositional phrase "em atraso" when referring to administrative or financial matters (like overdue payments), and "com atraso" when referring to the state of being late. Additionally, the pronunciation differs significantly: Brazilians tend to use more open vowels and a distinct "z" sound for the "s" between vowels, whereas Portuguese people use much more closed or reduced vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Os boletos estão atrasados. (The bills are overdue.)
2. O ônibus está atrasado. (The bus is late.)
3. Ele sempre chega atrasado. (He always arrives late.)
4. Tenho muitos trabalhos atrasados. (I have many late assignments.)
5. Os alunos atrasados perderam a explicação. (The late students missed the explanation.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. As faturas estão em atraso. (The bills are overdue.)
2. O autocarro está com atraso. (The bus is late.)
3. Ele chega sempre com atraso. (He always arrives with a delay.)
4. Tenho muita matéria em atraso. (I am far behind in my studies.)
5. Os alunos que chegaram atrasados perderam a explicação. (The students who arrived late missed the explanation.)