Cruzeiro secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Fortaleza on Saturday, bolstering their third-place standing in Brazil’s top football league and keeping them within striking distance of the championship leaders.
The win for the Belo Horizonte-based club ended a four-game winless streak, which included one loss and three draws.
Midfielder Christian scored the decisive goal in the 21st minute, marking the only tally of the match for the home side.
Under the guidance of Portuguese manager Leonardo Jardim, Cruzeiro now totals 56 points after 29 rounds of play.
They currently trail second-place Flamengo, who have 58 points, and current league leader Palmeiras, with 61 points.
Both Flamengo and Palmeiras have played two fewer games than Cruzeiro, intensifying the championship race.
The top two teams are scheduled to face each other at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, in a match that could significantly impact the league table.
Palmeiras is also coached by a Portuguese manager, Abel Ferreira.