With a penalty, Reinaldo scores and ties the Cruzeiro x Mirassol duel for the Brasileirão this Father’s Day Sunday
The clash between Cruzeiro and Mirassol for the Brazilian Championship recorded a 1-1 draw at Mineirão, with the match in progress and the first stage having ended, on August 9, 2026. Left-back Reinaldo, from Mirassol, was responsible for equalizing the score with a penalty kick, canceling out Celeste’s initial advantage. The teams are now preparing for the second half, which promises more emotions and decisive moves in the search for victory.
More on this story: Red card for Enzo Fernández leaves Spain ahead against Argentina in World Cup final
The match, valid for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão Betano, is of great importance for both clubs. Cruzeiro, which occupies seventh place in the table, seeks to consolidate itself in the classification zone for continental competitions, while Mirassol, currently in 15th place, fights to move away from the relegation zone and ensure its permanence in the elite of national football. The atmosphere at Mineirão is one of expectation, with fans eager for a favorable outcome for their team.
Follow exclusive coverage of Mix Vale
Stay up to date with all the latest football matches with live, minute-by-minute coverage from the Mix Vale news portal! Follow the main plays, goals and decisive moments of the most important games in real time. To ensure you don’t miss any updates, Mix Vale offers a notification service so you receive news instantly, directly on your device. Don’t miss any details about your favorite team and delve deeper into the analysis of each crucial play.
First half in focus: the crucial moves that defined the score
The game started with Cruzeiro trying to impose its rhythm, and the initial pressure from the celestial team resulted in the first goal. In the 12th minute, defender João Marcelo took advantage of an opportunity in the area and finished with his right foot, opening the scoring for the home team. The fans at Mineirão erupted in celebration, and the goal gave the impression that Cruzeiro could build a comfortable lead. The home team continued trying to expand, with Matheus Pereira and Fagner organizing plays on the flanks.
Learn more: Ball rolling: Flamengo x São Paulo draw in the first half of the Brasileirão
However, Mirassol showed resilience and knew how to take advantage of its chance to react. At 20 minutes, a capital move changed the course of the match: Bruno Santos won a challenge from the top, Otávio made an instinctive save, and in the end, Reinaldo finished. The ball touched Lucas Romero’s arm inside the area, and the referee signaled a penalty. After a VAR review, the field decision was upheld, and the maximum penalty was confirmed, causing a lot of complaints from Cruzeiro players, including a yellow card for Gerson, who was on the bench.
In the 27th minute, Reinaldo, coolly, converted the penalty with a shot into the right corner by Otávio, who touched the ball, but was unable to prevent the tie. Mirassol’s goal temporarily silenced the Celeste fans and left the score at 1-1. Shortly after the goal, the match was interrupted for a hydration break, allowing the teams to reorganize tactically and receive instructions from the coaches.
With the game resuming, both teams began creating chances again. Mirassol, excited by the draw, had a good opportunity in the 36th minute, when Fernandinho received it from Eduardo on the left, opened space and finished looking for the angle, forcing goalkeeper Otávio to make a great save, sending it out for a corner and avoiding the turnaround. On Cruzeiro’s side, Kaique Kenji took a risk from outside the area in the 33rd minute, but his shot was weak, ending up in the hands of Thomazella.
See Also
Electrical discharge knocks man off roof in Jaguaruana after contact with power lines
Global auction raises US$11.9 million and Brazil’s historic currency reaches record value
Former fighter Prichard Colón dies at age 33 after decade in a vegetative state
The first half was marked by several disputes in midfield and some dangerous moves. In the 39th minute, Arroyo, from Cruzeiro, felt pain after a dispute and needed medical attention, leading to a brief stoppage. In the final minutes, Cruzeiro pressed in search of a new goal. At 49, Fagner received a free kick on the right, invaded the area, but took a while to finish, allowing Reinaldo to make the cut. Shortly after, at 51, Bruno Rodrigues had an unbelievable chance, receiving a cross from Fagner with an empty goal, but missed the shot, wasting a clear opportunity to put Cruzeiro back in front.
On the same topic: Talisca scores a great goal to open the scoring for Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League
After 7 minutes of stoppage time, the referee whistled the end of the first half, with the score 1-1 reflecting the intensity and balance of the match so far.
Mix Vale minutes: notable moves from the first half
Follow the main moments that shook up the first stage of the duel between Cruzeiro and Mirassol:
- 12′: Cruzeiro goal!João Marcelo opens the scoring for the celestial team with a precise finish in the area, raising the crowd at Mineirão.
- 20′: Penalty for Mirassol!Lucas Romero, from Cruzeiro, commits an infraction with his hand inside the area, and the referee signals the maximum penalty.
- 24′: VAR confirms the penalty.After review on the monitor, the field decision is maintained, and Mirassol has the chance to tie the game.
- 27′: Mirassol’s goal!Reinaldo shows coolness and converts the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 at Mineirão.
- 36′: Great save from Otávio.Cruzeiro’s goalkeeper stretches to block a dangerous shot from Fernandinho, avoiding Mirassol’s comeback.
- 49′: Fagner misses a good chance.Cruzeiro’s right-back has freedom in the area, but takes a while to finish and is blocked by the defense.
- 51′: Bruno Rodrigues misses an unbelievable goal.With the goal open, Cruzeiro’s attacker is unable to touch the ball and misses a golden opportunity.
- 52′: End of the first half.The referee ends the first stage at Mineirão, with the score 1-1 between Cruzeiro and Mirassol.
Statistics and team performance in the first stage
The numbers from the first half show a balanced and disputed confrontation. Cruzeiro, playing at home under the command of coach Artur Jorge, used a 4-2-3-1 tactical scheme, seeking greater ball possession and verticality. Mirassol, with Rafael Guanaes on the bench and a 4-3-3 formation, bet on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks.
More on this story: With a beautiful play and pass from Salah, Zico scores a great goal and adds for Egypt against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup
In terms of ball possession, the data indicates a slight advantage for one of the teams, with Cruzeiro looking for more of the game. The shots also show an effort from both sides to find the net, with Mirassol demonstrating effectiveness by equalizing from the penalty spot. The number of passes and the success percentage indicate a game of quick transition, with defenses working to neutralize opposing attacks. Discipline was also a factor, with fouls and a yellow card awarded.
Individual highlights included João Marcelo, who opened the scoring for Cruzeiro, and Reinaldo, who secured a draw for Mirassol with his precise penalty kick. In goal, Otávio also played a fundamental role with important saves that prevented Mirassol from turning the match around.
Expectations now turn to the second half. With the score tied, the final stage promises to be even more intense, with both teams seeking victory to gain crucial points in the Brazilian Championship. The game continues, and the next few minutes at Mineirão will define the fate of the three points.
