Cruzeiro lead, Botafogo equalise, third place secured | OneFootball

Cruzeiro mathematically secured third place by reaching 70 points, becoming unreachable by Mirassol, who are in fourth place. At Mineirão, against Botafogo, the team from Minas Gerais played a lively match, marked by shifts in dominance, decisive VAR interventions, and a 2-2 draw that reflected the balance of the encounter.

Christian and Matheus Pereira scored the goals for Raposa, while Marçal and Alex Telles (from a penalty) equalized for Botafogo. The black-and-white team remained in seventh place, with 60 points, and still dreams of a direct spot in the Copa Libertadores group stage.

GAME SUMMARY

Cruzeiro needed little time to find the net against Botafogo. In less than 15 minutes, the team exploited the right sector — precisely the most vulnerable part of the black-and-white defense on this Thursday night. Sinisterra and Matheus Pereira started the play, until the ball reached Kaiki Bruno, the full-back crossed, Kaio Jorge tried to control it, and after the ball was loose, Sinisterra lifted it skillfully. Christian was well-positioned and pushed it in to score his fifth goal in the 2025 Brasileirão.

On the other side, Botafogo responded with good opportunities. Cássio had to work on shots from Cuiabano and Artur. Still, the visitors' best chance came with the number 7, who almost scored after a good pass from Marçal.

The second half began with Cruzeiro maintaining possession in the attacking field. Just 5 minutes in, Arthur tried to start a counterattack, but Fabrício Bruno covered well and cleared the danger. At 8 minutes, the Minas Gerais team scored their second goal: Kaio Jorge shot across the area, Raul Steffens made the save, and on the rebound, Matheus Pereira completed it into the net, extending the lead to 2-0.

Botafogo sought an immediate response, but an attacking play was interrupted by Cabral's offside. However, the Carioca team's persistence was rewarded at 14 minutes. After Matheus Pereira's mistake in ball clearance, David Ricardo regained possession and passed to Marçal, who finished precisely and reduced the deficit. The goal was reviewed by VAR and validated.

Cruzeiro also had opportunities, such as Christian's shot saved by Raul Steffens and William Furtado's cross to Keny Arroyo, who couldn't finish. Botafogo still tried to attack in the final minutes, but Cruzeiro managed the lead until the final whistle.

In injury time, Botafogo increased the pressure and reached the equalizer after a VAR review. At 48 minutes, the referee was called to the monitor to analyze a possible penalty committed by Kaiki Bruno on Marçal. After checking, the penalty was confirmed, and Alex Telles converted it precisely, leaving the score at 2-2.

Minutes later, a clash between David Ricardo and Matheus Henrique interrupted the game for medical attention. Shortly after, VAR was called again, and Anderson Daronco reviewed a hard foul by David on Matheus Henrique. The Botafogo defender was sent off after the analysis. Cruzeiro tried to speed up in the final moments but didn't create clear chances. With one more minute added after the 57th minute, the referee ended the match with the score unchanged.

Cruzeiro's Schedule

Next Sunday, at 4 PM, Cruzeiro will conclude their participation in the Brazilian Championship against Santos, at Vila Belmiro. Peixe is still fighting to stay in Serie A and, with 44 points, needs a draw to secure their place in the top division.

The match will be three days before the first decisive clash against Corinthians, in the Copa do Brasil semifinals, at Mineirão. Coach Leonardo Jardim has already indicated that he will rest the starters in Santos in preparation for the decisive match.

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