🎥 Comeback and deadly Fred send Atlético past Cruzeiro to semis | OneFootball

Atlético Mineiro are the first semifinalists of the 2026 Copa do Brasil.

They lost a starter before the ball had even rolled, fell behind thanks to Kaio Jorge, and came from behind after going a man up.

Galo were strong, vengeful, and relied on the talent of the decisive Fred to secure a 2-1 win over their rivals on Tuesday night, September 1, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

The spot was sealed in front of 42,992 fans, the biggest crowd of the year at Arena MRV.

Check out the highlights below.

There was more to Ruan 🆚 Kaio Jorge

The introduction of Cruzeiro's No. 19 had led to the Atlético defender being substituted in the first leg.

Kaio Jorge ended up being reported to the STJD, but received only a warning.

And Ruan did not want to shake his opponent's hand during the pre-match protocol.

The reunion lasted only 15 minutes, as the defender had to leave the match after 15 minutes following a challenge with his "nemesis."

It was a second unexpected blow for Galo, as Maycon felt something in the warm-up and did not even play.

Chances and... deadly Kaio Jorge

The first big chance in a fiery first half fell to Bernard after a mistake by Matheus Pereira in midfield.

But Otávio said "no."

Cruzeiro's response came from Matheus Pereira himself.

Then Kaio Jorge was back in the spotlight after winning a penalty from Vitão — who had come on for Ruan.

KJ ignored his five-match drought and converted with no chance for Everson (30'). It was his seventh career goal against Atlético.

Galo piled on the pressure until halftime. But they lacked finishing quality.

Bernard had another big chance. And whiffed.

🟥 Cruzeiro go down to ten

Atlético came back for the second half with the same intensity.

Which kept their rivals under pressure.

Already on a yellow, Villalba was shown a second and sent off after a foul on Cuello (15').

Artur Jorge took off his three main players: Matheus Pereira, Gerson (who was already asking to come off), and Kaio Jorge.

And birthday boy Eduardo Domínguez turned to Minda and Victor Hugo, making Galo more attacking.

Comeback to qualify 🐓

The black-and-white pressure intensified against a Cruzeiro side looking to hit on the counter.

Fred had been "missing" on the pitch. But he showed up brilliantly when he received from Scarpa and set up Victor Hugo, who leveled it (77').

Raposa tried to hang on, but could not put together a good attack.

Nor could they contain their rivals' momentum.

Another involvement from Victor Hugo and a goal from fan favorite Fred, the one that completed the comeback (86').

Qualification for the team that had already been controlling the game before the sending-off.

What now❓

Atlético will face either Grêmio or Internacional next.

The second leg will be on Thursday (3) after a scoreless draw at Beira-Rio.

What is certain is that Galo secured R$9 million in prize money.

They will be back in action on Saturday (5).

They are eighth in the Brasileirão and will visit São Paulo (11th).

Meanwhile, Raposa (6th) will host Athletico (3rd) on Sunday (6).

Only the Brazilian Championship remains for Cabuloso.

Featured photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético

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