Athletico Paranaense showcased their home advantage by defeating Cruzeiro 2-1 at the Arena da Baixada. The match kicked off with Stiven Mendoza putting Paranaense ahead in the very first minute by capitalizing on a well-executed play. Shortly after, in the 9th minute, Kevin Viveros extended the lead for the home side with a penalty kick.
Cruzeiro managed to pull one back in the second half, with Néiser Villarreal scoring in the 57th minute, but they were unable to mount a successful comeback against a resolute Paranaense side.
As the match progressed, Athletico continued to threaten, with Felipe Aguirre nearly scoring in the 74th minute when his shot struck the woodwork.
Kevin Viveros stood out as the star of the match, netting a goal and attempting three shots on target. Stiven Mendoza also made a significant impact, scoring one goal.
Coach Odair Hellmann employed a 4-3-3 formation, fielding Santos in goal, with a defense comprising Felipe Aguirre, Arthur Dias, Lucas Esquivel, and Gastón Benavídez. In midfield, he had Juan Portilla, Luiz Gustavo, and Dudu Kogitzki, while the attacking trio consisted of Mendoza, Julimar, and Viveros.
On the other hand, Cruzeiro, under Wesley Carvalho, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Matheus Cunha in goal. Their defense included William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, and Kaiki Bruno. The midfield featured Lucas Silva, Matheus Henrique, Japa, and Christian, with Néiser Villarreal and Keny Arroyo as forwards.
Referee Rodrigo Pereira de Lima officiated the match officiating at Arena da Baixada.
Looking ahead, Athletico Paranaense will host Botafogo next, while Cruzeiro prepares to face Santos at home. Paranaense is also gearing up for the anticipated classic match against their historic rivals in the Atletiba.
This win elevates Paranaense to 10 points, placing them 7th in the league standings, while Cruzeiro remains on 3 points, sitting at 19th.
Substitutions for Athletico Paranaense
61’ 2T – Julimar off for Felipe Chiqueti and Juan Portilla off for Jádson.
74’ 2T – Dudu Kogitzki off for João Cruz.
78’ 2T – Stiven Mendoza off for Bruninho.
Yellow Cards for Athletico Paranaense:
46’ 1T – Julimar (Unsporting behavior) and 55’ 2T – Arthur Dias (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
53’ 2T – Japa off for Wanderson.
77’ 2T – Néiser Villarreal off for Chico da Costa and Christian off for Rhuan Gabriel.
87’ 2T – William off for Kauã Moraes and Lucas Silva off for Murilo Rhikman.
Yellow Cards for Cruzeiro:
18’ 1T – Matheus Henrique (Unsporting behavior), 43’ 1T – Keny Arroyo (Unsporting behavior) and 84’ 2T – Lucas Silva (Unsporting behavior).