This Sunday, Cruzeiro triumphed over RB Bragantino by a narrow margin, clinching a 2-1 victory in the 11th round of the Brasileirao. After falling behind early in the match, Cruzeiro managed to turn the game around with two well-executed goals. RB Bragantino struck first thanks to José Hurtado’s goal in the 5th minute, but Cruzeiro responded quickly with a goal from Néiser Villarreal in the 17th minute, followed by another from Christian in the early moments of the second half.
José Hurtado set the tone for RB Bragantino with a brilliant strike just 5 minutes into the match, capitalizing on a pass from Isidro Pitta that beat the left post and went into the net, sending his teammates and fans into jubilation.
However, Cruzeiro’s Christian proved to be the standout player of the match, not only scoring a goal but also attempting four shots on target throughout the game. Néiser Villarreal was another key contributor for Cruzeiro with his goal and six attempts to challenge the opposing goal.
Cruzeiro’s coach, Artur Jorge, deployed a 4-4-2 formation, placing Matheus Cunha in goal; Fágner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan, and Kaiki Bruno in defense; Lucas Silva, Gérson, Christian, and Matheus Pereira in midfield; and Keny Arroyo along with Néiser Villarreal leading the attack.
Vágner Carmo Mancini arranged his squad in a 4-3-3 setup for RB Bragantino, with Tiago Volpi guarding the goal; José Hurtado, Alix Vinicius, Gustavo Marques, and Juninho Capixaba forming the backline; Gabriel, Ignacio Sosa, and Matheus Fernandes in midfield; and Lucas Barbosa, Vinicinho, and Isidro Pitta upfront.
The match was officiated by Ramon Abatti Abel at Mineirão Stadium.
Looking ahead, Cruzeiro will play at home against Grêmio, while RB Bragantino is set to host Remo in their next fixture.
With this result, Cruzeiro now has accumulated 10 points in the tournament, putting them in 17th place. Meanwhile, RB Bragantino sits in 9th with 14 points.
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
68’ 2T – Lucas Silva for Matheus Henrique and Keny Arroyo for Wanderson
76’ 2T – Fágner for Kauã Moraes
83’ 2T – Néiser Villarreal for Bruno Rodrigues, Jonathan for Lucas Villalba, Gabriel for Eric Ramires, José Hurtado for Jhuan, and Vinicinho for Rodriguinho
Substitutions for RB Bragantino
62’ 2T – Ignacio Sosa for Ryan Augusto
73’ 2T – Matheus Fernandes for Gustavinho
Yellow Cards for RB Bragantino:
13’ 2T Ignacio Sosa (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement) and 36’ 2T Gustavo Marques (Unsportsmanlike conduct)