Cruzeiro beats Atlético-GO, ends drought and returns to the G6 of the Brasileirão

Cruzeiro secured an important victory by defeating Atlético-GO 3-1, ending a streak of games without a win in the Brazilian Championship. The game, which took place on Sunday morning (1st), at Mineirão, guaranteed the team a provisional spot in the G6 of the competition. Cruzeiro's goals were scored by William, from a penalty, Matheus Henrique and Kaio Jorge, while Joe Campbell scored the only goal for Atlético-GO.

More than 58,000 fans were present at Mineirão, generating revenue of over R$3 million. Cruzeiro fans had reason to celebrate, not only because of the victory, but also because William was called up to the Brazilian national team and Kaio Jorge scored his first goal for Cruzeiro. This victory ended a five-match winless streak in the Brasileirão, which included defeats to Fortaleza and Internacional, as well as draws against Atlético, Vitória and Internacional again.

First half

The first half was full of action and showed the superiority of the team from Minas Gerais, who took the lead after just 9 minutes. After a penalty committed by Gonzalo Freitas, William scored with precision and opened the scoring for Cruzeiro, putting pressure on the opponent. Atlético tried to respond, but came up against the solid defense of the home team. Cruzeiro maintained control and extended their lead in the 25th minute, with Matheus Henrique scoring with a header after a precise cross from Kaio Jorge. The second goal further increased the confidence of the team from Minas Gerais, who continued to press. However, Atlético Goianiense managed to reduce the deficit in the 33rd minute, with Joel Campbell finishing with his left foot in the middle of the area, making the score 2-1. The game continued to be competitive, with opportunities for both sides. Shaylon and Gabriel Baralhas had good chances to equalize, but their shots were ineffective. In the final minutes, Cruzeiro held the pressure, and the first half ended with the Minas Gerais team ahead 2-1.

_{Kaio Jorge assisted and scored a goal in Cruzeiro's victory (Photo: reproduction/Gustavo Aleixo/Cruzeiro)}

Second half

Early on, Cruzeiro showed their intention to extend their lead, with Kaio Jorge standing out. In the 11th minute, he scored the team's third goal, with a precise shot from a difficult angle, practically sealing the match's fate. Atlético Goianiense tried to react and even created some opportunities, mainly in aerial plays by Adriano Martins and Matías Lacava, but were thwarted by a well-positioned defense and good interventions by Cruzeiro's goalkeeper. The visiting team also lacked finishing, wasting chances that could have brought more balance to the match.

Cruzeiro, in turn, knew how to manage the result, making strategic substitutions to maintain control of the midfield and ensure defensive security. The entries of Lucas Silva and Lucas Villalba helped maintain possession of the ball, while Mateus Vital and Matheus Pereira created good opportunities, even with the score already in their favor. In the final minutes, Atlético Goianiense continued to press, trying to reduce the deficit, but Cruzeiro managed to hold on to the result, ending the game with a 3-1 victory.

Standings and next game

With the three points won, Cruzeiro returned to the G6 of the Brazilian Championship, reaching 41 points in 25 matches, with a 54% success rate. However, to remain in the qualifying zone for the Libertadores, the sky-blue team depends on a defeat or draw by Bahia, who will still face Bragantino in the round. Atlético-GO, in turn, remains in last place in the table, with just 18 points in 25 games.

Next game Cruzeiro will return to the field on September 15, due to the break for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The next match will be against São Paulo, at Mineirão, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time). Atlético-GO will face Vitória at home, on September 14, at Antônio Accioly stadium, at 4 pm (Brasília time).

Featured Photo: William opened the scoring for Cruzeiro at Mineirão (Reproduction/Gustavo Aleixo/Cruzeiro)