Athletico Paranaense demonstrated their home advantage by defeating Cruzeiro 2-1 in a thrilling match on October 22, 2023, at the Arena da Baixada. The scoring opened just seconds into the game when Stiven Mendoza capitalized on an opportunity to give Paranaense the lead. Kevin Viveros then extended that lead to 2-0 with a penalty kick in the 9th minute.
Cruzeiro managed to claw back into the game with a goal from Néiser Villarreal just 12 minutes into the second half, providing a glimmer of hope. However, the visitors couldn’t find the equalizer in the remaining time.
One of the standout moments came when Felipe Aguirre nearly brought a second goal for the away side with a shot that struck the post in the 74th minute.
Kevin Viveros was the star of the match, contributing with a goal and three shots on target. Stiven Mendoza also had an impressive performance, scoring the opening goal for Paranaense.
Odair Hellmann, the head coach of Paranaense, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Santos in goal; with Felipe Aguirre, Arthur Dias, Lucas Esquivel, and Gastón Benavídez as the defensive line; and Juan Portilla, Luiz Gustavo, and Dudu Kogitzki in the midfield, supported by Mendoza, Julimar, and Viveros up front.
Cruzeiro, managed by Wesley Carvalho, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Matheus Cunha in goal and a defensive lineup of William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, and Kaiki Bruno. Matheus Henrique partnered with Lucas Silva, Japa, and Christian in the midfield, while Villarreal and Keny Arroyo led the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Rodrigo Pereira de Lima, who managed the contest effectively.
Looking ahead, Athletico Paranaense will face Botafogo at home in their next match, while Cruzeiro will host Santos. Paranaense is gearing up for the much-anticipated Atletiba clash against their fierce rivals.
This win improves Athletico Paranaense’s standing, putting them at 10 points and seventh place in the standings, while Cruzeiro remains at the bottom with only 3 points, occupying the 19th position in the league.
Substitutions for Athletico Paranaense
61’ 2T – Julimar replaced by Felipe Chiqueti; Juan Portilla off for Jádson.
74’ 2T – Dudu Kogitzki replaced by João Cruz.
78’ 2T – Stiven Mendoza substituted for Bruninho.
Yellow Cards for Athletico Paranaense:
46’ 1T – Julimar (Unsporting behavior); 10’ 2T – Arthur Dias (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
53’ 2T – Japa off for Wanderson; 77’ 2T – Néiser Villarreal for Chico da Costa, Christian for Rhuan Gabriel.
87’ 2T – William substituted by Kauã Moraes; Lucas Silva off for Murilo Rhikman.
Yellow Cards for Cruzeiro:
18’ 1T – Matheus Henrique (Unsporting behavior); 43’ 1T – Keny Arroyo (Unsporting behavior); 39’ 2T – Lucas Silva (Unsporting behavior).