Cruzeiro’s title aspirations took a hit Sunday after the team, led by Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim, played to a goalless draw against Fluminense, further complicating their pursuit of the Brazilian league leaders.
The 0-0 result in the 33rd round match means Cruzeiro remains four points behind current leaders Palmeiras.
Cruzeiro now sits in third position with 64 points but has played two more games than Palmeiras, coached by fellow Portuguese Abel Ferreira.
The draw at Mineirão stadium followed two consecutive victories for Cruzeiro in Brazil’s Série A. These were a 1-0 win against Grêmio and a 3-1 triumph over Vitória.
Fluminense is currently in seventh place with 51 points, one point behind sixth-placed Botafogo.
The intensely played match saw both teams create chances but ultimately failed to break the deadlock. This was largely due to strong performances by goalkeepers Cássio and Fábio and a lack of offensive efficiency.
Cruzeiro will next travel to face 18th-placed Juventude on November 20. Juventude is a team battling to avoid relegation.
Fluminense is scheduled to host second-placed Flamengo in their upcoming fixture.