Cruzeiro banks millions with progress in the Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Cruzeiro have qualified for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. On Tuesday night, the Belo Horizonte side beat Goiás 1-0 at Mineirão and secured their place in the next stage of the national competition. The winning goal was scored by Kaio Jorge from the penalty spot in the first half.

In addition to qualification, Raposa secured an important prize paid by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). By finishing among the tournament’s last 16, the Minas Gerais club guaranteed around R$ 3 million in prize money.

The amount is added to the sum already received for taking part in the third round of the competition, increasing Cruzeiro’s earnings for the season.

After a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Goiânia, Artur Jorge’s team needed only a simple win to go through. Playing in front of their home fans, Cruzeiro controlled much of the match and created the best chances from the opening minutes.

Tadeu was one of Goiás’ standout players throughout the match, making great saves from efforts by Fabrício Bruno, Kaiki, Matheus Pereira and Sinisterra. Even so, the goalkeeper could not prevent the decisive goal scored by Kaio Jorge in the 31st minute of the first half, after a penalty was awarded with VAR assistance for a handball by Ramon inside the box.

In the second half, Goiás tried to press in search of an equalizer and came close in the closing minutes. Fabrício Bruno made a crucial intervention to block a dangerous shot inside the area, while Esli García hit the post deep into stoppage time.

Even with Goiás’ late pressure, Cruzeiro held on to the result at Mineirão and confirmed their place in the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

Now, the Belo Horizonte club await the CBF draw to find out their next opponent. The round-of-16 ties will only be played in August, after the calendar break for the World Cup.

Next match

After advancing in the Copa do Brasil, Cruzeiro now turn their attention to the Brazilian Championship. This Saturday (16), at 9 p.m., the team face Palmeiras at Arena Barueri in a match valid for the 16th round of Série A.

As for the knockout competition, Raposa are expected to return to action in early August. The CBF still has to officially confirm the dates and kick-off times for the round-of-16 matches.

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