No team was able to clinch a victory at the Castelão Stadium as Ceará and Cruzeiro ended their match in a 1-1 stalemate.
Ceará broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, with a stellar goal from midfielder Vinicius Zanocelo. After receiving a precise assist from Pedro Raúl just outside the penalty area, Zanocelo unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, hitting the right post before crossing the line.
However, the joy for Ceará was short-lived as an unfortunate own goal from Willian Machado in the 71st minute ensured a share of the points for Cruzeiro.
Bruno Ferreira excelled in goal for Ceará, earning him the title of man of the match after making four crucial saves throughout the game. Similarly, Cruzeiro’s goalkeeper Cássio also had a commendable performance, thwarting three shots on goal from the hosts.
Under the guidance of coach Leonardo Rodrigues Condé, Ceará employed a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Bruno Ferreira in goal, with Willian Machado, Marcos Victor, Fabiano, and Matheus Bahia making up the defensive line. The midfield consisted of Lucas Mugni, Diego, and Vinicius Zanocelo, while the attacking trio included Pedro Raúl, Antonio Galeano, and Fernandinho.
On the other side, Cruzeiro, led by coach José Nunes Alves Sousa Jardim, opted for a 4-4-2 formation. Cássio was placed between the sticks, with Kaiki Bruno, William, Fabrício Bruno, and Lucas Villalba in defense. The midfield was comprised of Walace, Matheus Pereira, Lucas Silva, and Christian, while Gabriel Barbosa and Keny Arroyo formed the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Savio Pereira Sampaio.
In their upcoming fixtures, Ceará will face Flamengo away, while Cruzeiro is set to host Botafogo. As it stands, Ceará occupies the 14th position with 43 points, whereas Cruzeiro is third in the league with 69 points.
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, and Pedro Raúl replaced by Aylon.
Yellow Card 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, and 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, and 28’ 2T – Gabriel Barbosa.