Cruzeiro’s 3-1 comeback lifts them to 45 points

Cruzeiro defeated Vitoria 3-1 in Serie A’s 28th round, overturning a half-time deficit at Estadio Manoel Barradas on Sunday. Vitoria led through Carlos Renê de Sousa Ferreira, but Cruzeiro scored three times after the break to secure the win.

Vitoria take the lead

Vitoria made the stronger breakthrough in the 39th minute. Carlos Renê de Sousa Ferreira finished a move assisted by Matheuzinho to put the home side ahead. The goal was followed shortly by the first disciplinary incident, with Cruzeiro’s Jonathan Jesus receiving a yellow card in the 41st minute.

The half-time score reflected Vitoria’s advantage, although the statistics did not show a completely one-sided opening period. Vitoria recorded 11 first-half-style attacking indicators across the match’s shot totals and ultimately finished with 21 attempts, compared with 14 for Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro, however, held 57% possession and completed 460 accurate passes, compared with Vitoria’s 314.

Cruzeiro turn the match around

Cruzeiro changed two players at half-time, bringing on William for Fagner and Felipe Morais for Wesley Gassova Ribeiro Teixeira. Vitoria also made two changes, with Emanuel Brítez replacing Matheusinho and Zé Vitor coming on for Caíque Gonçalves. The visitors equalised almost immediately after the restart, as Keny arroyo converted with an assist from Kaio Jorge in the 46th minute.

The comeback gathered pace in the 66th minute. Keny arroyo supplied Lucas Villalba, who scored Cruzeiro’s second goal. Further changes followed for the visitors, with Lucas Villalba replacing Gabriel Rojas and Matheus Henrique replacing Zé Lucas in the 56th minute. In the closing stages, Matheus Pereira completed the scoring in the 90th minute, again assisted by Keny arroyo.

Statistics show a mixed contest

Cruzeiro controlled the ball and circulated it more effectively, completing 522 total passes to Vitoria’s 393. Vitoria nevertheless produced more shots, 21 to 14, and had eight shots on target against Cruzeiro’s five. That advantage did not translate into goals because Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otávio Eleodoro Rezende Costa made six saves, while Vitoria’s goalkeeper made two.

Vitoria also won eight corners to Cruzeiro’s two, but the visitors were more efficient in front of goal. Cruzeiro committed 19 fouls and collected three yellow cards, including cautions for Gerson in the 78th minute and Felipe Morais in the 87th. Neither team received a red card.

Table and standout performer

Cruzeiro entered the round sixth with 42 points from 27 matches, while Vitoria were 13th with 33 points. The victory adds three points to Cruzeiro’s total, taking it to 45, while Vitoria remain on 33 after the defeat. Matheus Pereira was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating, scoring the late goal and creating two key passes.