Cruzeiro slip late, Corinthians snatch draw, winless run continues | OneFootball

Cruzeiro was competitive and even played a good game for most of the time, but once again let victory slip away in the Brazilian Championship. On Wednesday night (25th), at Mineirão, for the fourth round, the celestial team took the lead with Matheus Pereira, created chances to extend the lead, and had a goal disallowed by VAR still in the first half.

However, after being left with one less player in the final stage, they conceded the equalizer to Corinthians and finished with a 1-1 draw, a result that keeps the team winless in the competition and among the bottom positions in the standings.

GAME SUMMARY

The celestial team started better and created the main chances of the first half. Lucas Romero threatened with a shot from outside the box, and Christian also posed danger inside the area. Kaio Jorge even found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside after VAR review.

The goal that counted came from Matheus Pereira, who took advantage of a well-constructed offensive play to put Cruzeiro ahead. Active throughout the half, he was one of the highlights, orchestrating plays and drawing fouls in the attacking field.

Corinthians tried to respond with mid-range shots, but struggled in creation and found a more organized Cruzeiro defense. With four minutes of added time, the Minas Gerais team kept control and confirmed the narrow lead until the halftime whistle.

Cruzeiro came back trying to control the game and created good opportunities. Kaiki had two clear chances inside the box, William tried his luck from outside, and Matheus Pereira continued as the main playmaker, participating in offensive plays and constantly drawing fouls. The Minas Gerais team racked up corners and posed danger mainly down the right side.

Corinthians, in turn, made changes to the team and gained more offensive presence with the entries of Rodrigo Garro, Allan, and Memphis Depay. The São Paulo team started to occupy more of the attacking field, although they still struggled to finish plays.

The scenario changed in the 35th minute, when William received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Cruzeiro with one less. Shortly after, in the 37th minute, Corinthians took advantage of a corner and equalized: João Pedro rose in the middle of the area and scored with a header.

In the final minutes, the game became scrappy and tense, with cards handed out and six minutes of added time. Cruzeiro still tried to press, but couldn't regain the lead, and the match ended level at 1-1.

SCHEDULE AND SEQUENCE

With the draw, Cruzeiro leaves the bottom position but remains under pressure, now in 18th place with two points. Corinthians, meanwhile, reach seven points and consolidate themselves in the upper group of the table. The celestial team's focus now shifts to the Campeonato Mineiro: on Saturday (28th), again at Mineirão, the team hosts Pouso Alegre for the second leg of the semifinal. After winning 2-1 at Manduzão, Tite's team only needs a draw to secure a spot in the state final.

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