The highly anticipated clash at Estádio Castelão resulted in a hard-fought draw, with Ceará and Cruzeiro both finding the net once in the latest round of the Brasileirao.
Ceará broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Vinicius Zanocelo scored with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, following an assist from Pedro Raúl that beautifully set up the play.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just 11 minutes later, a misfortunate own goal by Willian Machado equalized the score for Cruzeiro, compelling both teams to settle for a point.
Bruno Ferreira, the goalkeeper of Ceará, was a standout performer, making four crucial saves that kept his team in the contest. Likewise, Cruzeiro’s goalkeeper Cássio also showcased his skills with three vital stops against a dynamic Ceará attack.
Ceará’s lineup, managed by Leonardo Rodrigues Condé, featured a 4-3-3 formation with Bruno Ferreira in goal, supported by defenders Willian Machado, Marcos Victor, Fabiano, and Matheus Bahia. The midfield was anchored by Lucas Mugni, Diego, and Vinicius Zanocelo, while the attacking trio included Pedro Raúl, Antonio Galeano, and Fernandinho.
On the opposing side, Cruzeiro, under the guidance of José Nunes Alves Sousa Jardim, opted for a 4-4-2 arrangement with Cássio guarding the net, supported by defenders Kaiki Bruno, William, Fabrício Bruno, and Lucas Villalba. Their midfield included Walace, Matheus Pereira, Lucas Silva, and Christian, while Gabriel Barbosa and Keny Arroyo led the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Savio Pereira Sampaio, and the result places Ceará in 14th position with 43 points, while Cruzeiro moves to 69 points, securing 3rd place in the tournament. In the next round, Ceará will travel to face Flamengo, and Cruzeiro will host Botafogo.
Substitutions for Ceará
65’ 2T – Fernandinho replaced by Paulo Baya
73’ 2T – Lucas Mugni replaced by Vina
84’ 2T – Vinicius Zanocelo replaced by Richardson, Diego replaced by Fernando Sobral, Pedro Raúl replaced by Aylon
Yellow Cards for Ceará:
24’ 2T – Matheus Bahia
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
41’ 1T – Keny Arroyo replaced by Luis Sinisterra
79’ 2T – Gabriel Barbosa replaced by Yannick Bolasie, Lucas Silva replaced by Eduardo, Christian replaced by Japa
88’ 2T – Walace replaced by Matheus Henrique
Yellow Cards for Cruzeiro:
34’ 1T – Walace, 46’ 1T – Lucas Silva, 24’ 2T – Matheus Pereira, 28’ 2T – Gabriel Barbosa