João Marcelo upbeat on Cruzeiro, eyes Copa do Brasil semi after loss | OneFootball

After Cruzeiro was defeated by Santos 3-0 at Vila Belmiro this Sunday (7th), defender João Marcelo was one of the players who spoke as they left the field. Despite the negative result in the last round of the Brasileirão, the defender highlighted the solidity of the celestial campaign throughout the season and emphasized that the setback does not alter the team's confidence for the Copa do Brasil semifinal.

“The team deserves congratulations for the campaign it had this year, this game does not define what our team is. We managed to score a goal, which was disallowed. Now the focus is on the Copa do Brasil,” said the defender to Premiere, referring to the three goals scored by Cruzeiro that were disallowed for offside.

João Marcelo returned to gain minutes after a period away from the team and celebrated his return to matches amid the decisive stretch of the season. “I am happy to be back, gaining more minutes. Now it's time to cool down and win the game on Wednesday, advance to the final, and become champions,” he added.

Coach Leonardo Jardim opted for a completely alternative lineup against Santos, preserving the main team for the clash with Corinthians. The defeat interrupted a 12-game unbeaten streak for Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão, but it did not change the team's final position, which finished the tournament in 3rd place with 70 points — their best campaign since 2014.

Now, the full focus shifts to the duel on Wednesday (10th) against Corinthians at Mineirão, for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal. All tickets were sold, and more than 60,000 fans are expected to fill the giant Pampulha. The decision for the spot will take place on Sunday (14th) at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.