Mendoza sparks Athletico Paranaense as Zeiro drop to 20th | OneFootball

Athletico Paranaense beat Cruzeiro 2-1 at the Estádio Mário Celso Petraglia, rising from 10th to 7th in the Brasileirão as Zeiro slipped to 20th.

In the first minute, Stiven Mendoza rifled a left-footer from outside the box into the bottom right. Moments later, Kevin Viveros won a penalty and converted from the spot (10.) after a foul by Matheus Henrique.

Before the interval, goalkeeper Santos tipped over a Keny Arroyo effort during first half stoppage time to preserve Athletico-PR's cushion.

After the restart, Néiser Villarreal halved the deficit from Kaiki's pass (58.). Juan Aguirre then glanced a header against the left post as Athletico-PR threatened again (75.).

Athletico-PR registered four shots on target from eight attempts. Zeiro produced 11 attempts but hit the target only twice.

Next, Athletico-PR host Coritiba. Zeiro host Santos.