Cruzeiro hold Palmeiras as refereeing mistakes mar Copa do Brasil clash | OneFootball

Cruzeiro managed a 0-0 draw against Palmeiras this Sunday (26th), in the 30th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, held at Allianz Parque in São Paulo. The match was marked by the non-expulsion of defender Gustavo Gómez early on after a tackle that took forward Wanderson out of the game. Referee Rafael Klein was called by VAR to review the incident but chose to only issue a yellow card to the Palmeiras defender.

Klein’s Error Affects the Game

At 10 minutes into the first half, Palmeiras defender Gustavo Gómez committed a harsh tackle on Cruzeiro’s forward Wanderson, who had to leave the field. Even after VAR intervention, referee Rafael Klein opted to give only a yellow card—a decision that surprised the Cruzeiro team.

Then, at 25 minutes into the second half, Cruzeiro was left with one less player: defender Fabrício Bruno received his second yellow card and was sent off after trying to stop an opponent’s counterattack. The play is also controversial, as there was no contact between the defender and the Palmeiras forward.

THE GAME

At the start, Cruzeiro tried to control the action—with more possession and more clear chances—even after the blow of Wanderson’s injury. In a free kick at 30 minutes into the first half, substitute Arroyo forced a good save from Palmeiras goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.

In the second half, Palmeiras’ approach changed. Coach Abel Ferreira adjusted the team, created more opportunities, and even had a goal disallowed at 14’, in a play by Sosa. Flaco López fouled the Cruzeiro player and the goal was correctly disallowed.

Despite Palmeiras’ dominance, Cruzeiro managed to keep the score at zero even with one player down. In stoppage time, Matheus Pereira made a beautiful play down the left side and set up forward Kaio Jorge, who shot straight at goalkeeper Carlos Miguel and wasted the team’s best chance in the game.

WHAT’S NEXT

With the draw, Cruzeiro remains in 3rd place, totaling 57 points. They are four points behind second-placed Flamengo and five behind leaders Palmeiras, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Mirassol is right behind in 4th place, with 55 points.

Now, Cruzeiro returns to Mineirão where they will face Vitória in the 31st round. The match is scheduled for the following Saturday at 4 p.m.

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