Cruzeiro beat Santos, reach Copinha quarters, show U20 strength | OneFootball

Cruzeiro is in the quarter-finals of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. On the evening of this Friday (16th), the Raposa defeated Santos 3-1 in a highly intense match for the round of 16 of the competition, securing their qualification with authority. The goals for Cruzeiro were scored by Rayan, Fernando, and Pietro.

The team, led by Mairon César, benefited from the return of several players who had been training with the main squad at the start of the season, which added even more competitiveness to the team in a match marked by balance and physical commitment from both sides.

The first half saw distinct moments of pressure. Cruzeiro managed to exert some dominance in the initial half of the period, exchanging passes and occupying the offensive field, but saw their defense heavily tested by Santos, especially in the final minutes when the São Paulo team intensified their offensive actions.

In the second half, Cruzeiro had a perfect start. In the very first minute, Rayan seized the opportunity and opened the scoring, putting the Raposa ahead. The goal changed the game's scenario. Santos tried to respond with an offensive blitz, but at the opponent's best moment, Cruzeiro was lethal. At 13 minutes, in a quick and well-executed counterattack, Fernando appeared free to finish and extend the lead: 2-0.

From then on, the pattern of the match was clear. Santos began to press in search of a comeback, while Cruzeiro relied on high-intensity counterattacks. The Cruzeiro defense held firm until the 38th minute of the second half, when, from a corner kick, João Alencar rose highest and reduced the score for the São Paulo team.

The equalizer was only prevented thanks to a decisive performance by goalkeeper Victor Lamounier, who made important saves and kept Cruzeiro ahead in the final minutes. In stoppage time, the Raposa was efficient again on the counter. In a quick play, the ball hit the post and fell to Pietro, who took advantage of the rebound and sealed the match: Cruzeiro 3-1 Santos.

With the qualification secured, Cruzeiro now faces Guanabara City in the quarter-finals of the Copinha. The date and time of the match will still be determined by the competition's organizers.

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