Ceará showcased their prowess in the 17th round of the Brasileirao, achieving victory with two goals from Antonio Galeano. Just three minutes into the first half, Cruzeiro took control of the match, going ahead through a play involving Kaio Jorge. Facing a deficit, Ceará responded with determination, with Galeano being the key player for the turnaround, netting two headers at the 38th minute of the first half and another at the 14th minute of the second half, ultimately sealing the match at 2-1.
A standout moment of the match was Galeano’s second goal, executed perfectly with a header into the right corner of the net after receiving a precise cross from Fernandinho.
Galeano’s performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, having scored twice and attempted four shots on goal.
Willian Machado was also significant defensively, clearing ten dangerous balls and contributing greatly to Ceará’s victory.
Cruzeiro’s manager, José Nunes Alves Sousa Jardim, opted for a 4-5-1 formation, placing Cássio in goal; Fágner, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, and Kaiki Bruno in defense; a midfield comprising Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Eduardo, Matheus Pereira, and Wanderson; with Kaio Jorge leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Ceará, under the guidance of Leonardo Rodrigues Condé, implemented a 4-3-3 strategy with Bruno Ferreira in goal; Fabiano, Marcos Victor, Willian Machado, and Matheus Bahia in the backline; and a midfield trio of Lourenço, Richardson, and Diego; alongside Antonio Galeano, Pedro Raúl, and Pedro Henrique upfront.
The matchup at the Mineirão stadium was officiated by referee Raphael Claus.
Looking ahead to the next round, Cruzeiro will visit Botafogo, while Ceará is set to host Flamengo. Currently, Ceará sits at the top of the table with 34 points, while Cruzeiro now has 21 points, placing them ninth in the standings.
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
45’ 2T – Wanderson off for Marquinhos
56’ 2T – Eduardo off for Gabriel Barbosa
72’ 2T – Kaiki Bruno off for Yannick Bolasie
82’ 2T – Lucas Silva off for Matheus Henrique, Diego off for Lucas Mugni, and Antonio Galeano off for Rafael Ramos.
Substitutions for Ceará
55’ 2T – Pedro Henrique off for Fernandinho
75’ 2T – Lourenço off for Fernando Sobral
83’ 2T – Richardson off for Lucas Lima.
Yellow Cards for Ceará:
43’ 1T – Pedro Henrique (Repeated fouls)
40’ 2T – Aylon (Insulting or showing disapproval to the referee).