Sunday was a day of sweet victory for Leonardo Jardim and his Cruzeiro squad. They got back to winning ways in the Brasileirão. The team traveled to face current champions Botafogo and secured a solid 2-0 win. This big result came in the 18th round of the league season.
Cruzeiro had gone two league games without a win. They also had a draw in the Copa do Brasil. So, this victory on the champions’ home turf felt extra special. Christian opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Matheus Pereira, a former Sporting and Chaves winger, doubled the lead in the 41st minute. His goal sealed a valuable triumph for Jardim’s side.
This crucial win means Cruzeiro temporarily sits at the top of the Brasileirão table. They have 37 points. Flamengo is just behind them in second place with 36 points. Flamengo still has two games in hand, though. They were scheduled to play away against Ceará, who currently sit 11th, later on Sunday.
A Fight for Survival and a Late Punch
Meanwhile, another Portuguese coach, Renato Paiva, faced a different kind of battle with Fortaleza. His team earned a valuable point in their fight against relegation. They drew 1-1 on the road against Corinthians. This point came with a bitter taste, as Fortaleza was just seconds away from grabbing their fourth league win.
Breno Lopes put Paiva’s team ahead early, scoring in just the sixth minute. That lead held firm for almost the entire match. But then came the late drama. Peruvian player Carrillo, who used to play for Sporting and Benfica, scored a very late equalizer. His goal came in the 94th minute, snatching the win away from Fortaleza.
Fortaleza remains in the relegation zone after this result. They hold the 18th spot, which is third from last, with 15 points. Corinthians, on the other hand, is 10th in the league with 22 points. It was a tough break for Paiva’s team, but they’ll keep fighting to stay in the top flight.