Decisive figure rescues Zeiro with set-piece spark against Flu | OneFootball

Matheus Pereira curled a free kick into the roof of the net in the 75th minute to earn Cruzeiro a 1-1 draw with Fluminense.

Pereira's left-footed strike had the precision Zeiro needed, bending over the wall and dipping late into the roof to cancel out the first half opener. The midfielder's set-piece quality changed the game's rhythm.

He then kept Flu pinned back, sliding a pass to Christian for a drive that was blocked (81.). Moments later, Pereira's delivery found Luis Sinisterra, whose header drifted just wide (88.).

The numbers underlined his influence: five key passes, three attempts and 26 successful final third passes from 81 touches. That blend of set pieces and open-play supply repeatedly asked questions of the Tricolor Carioca defence.

Because Pereira drew fouls in advanced areas and mixed crosses with smart through balls, Raposa sustained pressure late on and carried the greater threat down the stretch.

Zeiro are 11th and visit Internacional next. Flu, third, host RB Bragantino next.