In a gripping clash at Mineirão Stadium, Santos managed to overturn a deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over home team Cruzeiro, in what was their matchday 19 encounter. Cruzeiro took the lead in the first half, with Fabrício Bruno scoring a header in the 42nd minute. However, Santos displayed remarkable resilience, equalizing soon into the second half.
Guilherme was the catalyst for change, scoring a gorgeous goal only 16 minutes into the second half. After receiving a well-placed assist from Gustavo Caballero, Guilherme expertly placed the ball to the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The match’s standout player was undoubtedly Gustavo Caballero, who not only assisted Guilherme’s goal but also registered a goal of his own in the 43rd minute, sealing the comeback victory for Santos.
Another key player for Santos was Guilherme, who netted an important goal in the second half, highlighting his talent on the pitch.
Cruzeiro’s coach, José Nunes Alves Sousa Jardim, set up a 4-4-2 formation with Cássio in goal, supported by a defensive line of William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, and Kaiki Bruno. Matheus Pereira, Lucas Silva, Lucas Romero, and Christian formed the midfield, while Kaio Jorge and Wanderson led the attack.
On the other side, Santos, under manager Cléber Xavier, employed a 4-3-3 strategy featuring Gabriel Brazão as their goalkeeper, with Mayke, Gil, Luisão, and Souza in defense. Tomás Rincón, Benjamín Rollheiser, and Gabriel Bontempo held the midfield, while the attacking trio consisted of Neymar, Guilherme, and Álvaro Barreal.
The match was officiated by referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio.
Looking ahead, Cruzeiro will travel to face Mirassol in their next match, while Santos will host Vasco da Gama. Currently, Cruzeiro is positioned second with 37 points, while Santos rises to 21 points, placing them 14th in the tournament.
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
70’ 2T – Wanderson was replaced by Marquinhos
71’ 2T – Christian was substituted for Matheus Henrique
80’ 2T – Lucas Romero came off for Gabriel Barbosa
Cautions for Cruzeiro:
23’ 1T – Lucas Villalba (Unsporting behavior)
33’ 1T – Lucas Romero (Unsporting behavior)
40’ 1T – Christian (Unsporting behavior)
11’ 2T – Kaiki Bruno (Unsporting behavior)
46’ 2T – Matheus Pereira (Insulting or showing disapproval towards the referee)
Substitutions for Santos
45’ 2T – Álvaro Barreal was replaced by Gustavo Caballero
Benjamín Rollheiser came on for Tiquinho Soares
Tomás Rincón was substituted for Zé Rafael
91’ 2T – Neymar was replaced by João Schmidt
Guilherme was substituted by Gonzalo Escobar
Cautions for Santos:
10’ 1T – Tomás Rincón (Unsporting behavior)
34’ 1T – Neymar (Insulting or showing disapproval towards the referee)
2’ 2T – Gustavo Caballero (Unsporting behavior)
14’ 2T – Zé Rafael (Unsporting behavior)