Cruzeiro and Coritiba draw in a balanced game and miss opportunities

This Sunday morning (16), the confrontation between Cruzeiro and Coritiba ended in a goalless draw at Estádio Independência, for the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship. The result was not positive for either team, as Cruzeiro missed the opportunity to enter the G8 and Coritiba remained in the relegation zone. The match was quite balanced, but both teams found it difficult to create clear goalscoring chances.

The duel marked Edu’s reunion with the Cruzeiro fans, who now defend the colors of Coritiba. In addition to him, midfielder Lucas Silva marked his return to Raposa, the player who was at Grêmio, was officially announced by Cruzeiro last week. Palácios made his debut in front of Cruzeiro fans.

_{Rafael Cabral made great saves in the game. (Photo: reproduction/Gilson Lobo/AGIF)}

FIRST TIME

Coritiba entered the field with determination, showing confidence after two consecutive victories. In the 11th minute, Cruzeiro had an opportunity on the left side, with Bruno Rodrigues receiving a good pass, but Kuscevic’s shot went wide. Coritiba responded in the 19th minute, when Moreno triggered Robson, but the low shot did not find the target. After approximately 20 minutes of play, Cruzeiro started to dominate the actions, even without being able to create great chances. Coritiba got their first dangerous finish from Robson, whose low shot nearly stunned the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Jamerson risked a long shot, requiring a good save from Rafael. Cruzeiro had their best opportunity in the 43rd minute, when Natanael made a move through the bottom line and crossed for Kaio César, who finished outside. The first half ended goalless despite opportunities created by both teams.

_{Cruzeiro fans against Coritiba. (Photo: reproduction/Staff Images/Twitter @Cruzeiro)}

SECOND TIME

In the second stage, the teams returned to the field without making any changes. Coritiba proved to be superior and created difficulties for goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, from Cruzeiro. Early on, Pinho received a pass from Moreno, but had his finish muffled by Rafael, and the offside was signaled by the flag. Then, Kaio César performed an impressive individual move and risked the kick, but Rafael made a safe defense. At 10 minutes, Bianqui had the opportunity in the area, but again Rafael spread the ball to save Cruzeiro. Coritiba kept pressing and in the 24th minute, Robson received it on the right, dribbled and tried a low shot, almost surprising goalkeeper Rafael. Cruzeiro faced difficulties in playing and controlling the game, while Coritiba exchanged passes defensively. In the 39th minute, Cruzeiro made a good move on the left side, with Walisson looking for the placed shot, but goalkeeper Gabriel made a good defense. Then, Diogo Batista finished first, but Rafael Cabral made another crucial save. In the 46th minute, Coritiba scored a goal, but the referee called a foul. Cruzeiro had one last wasted opportunity, when Stênio made a good move and activated Vital in the area, but the midfielder finished over the goal. The game remained balanced in the final minutes, with Rafael making excellent defenses to avoid Cruzeiro’s defeat.

Cruzeiro will play again only next Sunday, the 23rd, facing Goiás in Independência, at 4 pm (Brasília time), for the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. Coritiba will host Fluminense at Estádio Couto Pereira next Monday, the 24th, at 7 pm.

Featured Photo: Cruzeiro x Coritiba for the Brasileirão. Reproduction/Gilson Lobo/AGIF – Photography Agency/Estadão Content