Cruzeiro stumble again, lose lead and fall to Coritiba at Mineirão | OneFootball

On another frustrating night at Mineirão, Cruzeiro once again paid dearly for their lack of offensive efficiency and defensive fragility at crucial moments. Despite being superior for most of the match and scoring a beautiful goal with Matheus Pereira, the celestial team failed to turn their dominance into a lead on the scoreboard and ended up being defeated by Coritiba, in a match valid for the second round of the Brazilian Championship.

GAME SUMMARY

Cruzeiro started more aggressively, occupying the offensive field and creating the first chances, mainly with Kaio Jorge and Matheus Pereira. The team had volume, medium-distance shots, and constant presence in the attack, effectively exploring the sides of the field. At 19 minutes, the superiority turned into a goal: Matheus Pereira received on the right side of the area and finished with his left foot to open the scoring.

After the goal, Cruzeiro maintained territorial control but found it more difficult to turn possession into clear chances. Coritiba, on the other hand, adjusted their marking, started to play more offensively, and posed a threat with set pieces and shots from outside the area, especially with Pedro Rocha and Joaquín Lavega.

In the final minutes, when Cruzeiro seemed to manage the lead, Coritiba was efficient. In injury time, Lavega capitalized on a saved shot and, from very close range, equalized the match, taking the game to halftime on equal terms.

In the second half, Cruzeiro tried to maintain their offensive stance, pressing with corners and constant presence in the attacking field. However, the team again stumbled over the lack of precision in finishing and decision-making in the final third.

At 8 minutes, Coritiba was lethal. In a move through the middle of the area, Breno Lopes took advantage of the space and scored the second goal, turning the game around. From then on, the scenario became clearer: Cruzeiro had even more possession and volume, while Coritiba closed up and relied on counterattacks.

Tite made changes to the team throughout the half, promoting several substitutions to add more energy and aggressiveness. Chances appeared, mainly in aerial balls and corner plays, with clear opportunities for Kaio Jorge, Fabrício Bruno, and Christian, but the ball stubbornly refused to go in.

In the final minutes, Cruzeiro increased the pressure almost entirely, piling up corners and surrounding the opponent's area during the eight minutes of injury time. Still, effectiveness was lacking. Coritiba, even while retreating, managed to defend and manage the result until the final whistle.

Cruzeiro's Schedule and Standings

The result raises the alarm for Cruzeiro at the start of the season. The team continues to create, compete, and frequently reach the attack, but recurring errors in play execution and vulnerability on counterattacks continue to be costly.

Without scoring in the first rounds, the celestial team sits at the bottom of the Brazilian Championship standings and sees the pressure increase on the coaching staff and squad. Now, Cruzeiro turns their attention to the Campeonato Mineiro, where they face América-MG on Sunday (8), at Mineirão, in a decisive match to keep their chances of qualifying for the State Championship semifinals alive.

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