Marçal’s goal reduces the advantage in Cruzeiro x Botafogo at Mineirão in the Brasileirão in the second half
Cruzeiro and Botafogo compete in a balanced match for the 37th round of Brasileirão Série A this Thursday at Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte. The team from Minas Gerais took a 2-0 lead with goals from Christian, in the first half, and Matheus Pereira, at the beginning of the second. Marçal decreased to Botafogo 12 minutes into the second half and keeps the game open at 2:17 pm Brasília time.
The match started with the most efficient Cruzeiro and scored in the 14th minute of the first half with Christian taking advantage of a pass from Sinisterra. The second goal came in a quick counterattack 4 minutes into the second half, when Matheus Pereira completed a rebound from Raul. Botafogo reacted in the 12th minute with a firm header from Marçal after a precise cross in the area.
Main bids to date
- 14′ 1T– Christian opens the scoring for Cruzeiro after a play on the left with Sinisterra and Kaiki Bruno.
- 04′ 2T– Matheus Pereira scores the second on a rebound after a cross shot from Kaio Jorge.
- 08′ 2T– Lucas Silva receives a yellow card for a foul on Arthur Cabral.
- 12′ 2T– Marçal goes up free and heads to reduce after confusion in the defense of Cruzeiro.
- 14′ 2T– Botafogo keeps the pressure on and seeks a draw on Mineirão.
Tactical moves in the second half
Davide Ancelotti guided positioning changes at the beginning of the final stage. Allan started to close further to the left to free up Alex Telles on the way up to the attack. Montoro came on for Cuiabano in the 7th minute to reinforce the midfield. The change gave more volume to the Botafogo, which began to arrive with constant danger.
Immediate reaction from Botafogo
Marçal’s goal came at a time of indecision between Matheus Pereira and the Cruzeiro defense. The defender took advantage of a low cross and rose higher than everyone to head in Cássio’s corner. The visiting crowd grew in the stadium and the Rio team began to dominate the action. Arthur Cabral and Artur had already been in danger before the goal that put Botafogo back in the match.
Pressure remains intense in Mineirão
Cruzeiro tries to hold the result and explore counterattacks with Kaio Jorge and Sinisterra. Leonardo Jardim maintains the same team that started the second half. Cássio has already made two important saves in the final stage. Aos 14 minutes into the second half the score reads Cruzeiro 2 x 1 Botafogo and the match remains open.
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The game is still underway at Mineirão with Botafogo pressing in search of a draw. Cruzeiro defends itself and tries to maintain the minimal advantage built at the beginning of the second half. The match remains disputed with chances for both sides until 15 minutes into the second half.
