Cruzeiro kept their Copa do Brasil hopes alive on Tuesday night, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Goiás in a lively encounter at Mineirão. The solitary goal from Kaio Jorge was enough to give the Minas Gerais side a 3-2 aggregate victory in the fifth round, booking their spot in the round of 16.
With the win, Cruzeiro now await the CBF draw to learn their next opponent. Before that, both teams return to league action this Saturday: Cruzeiro travel to São Paulo to face Palmeiras at Arena Barueri at 9 PM, while Goiás host Botafogo-SP at Serrinha at 6:30 PM in the Série B.
The match started in a tight and physical fashion, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Cruzeiro had the first notable opportunity when Lucas Romero set up Kaio Jorge, whose cross-shot went just wide of the left post. Shortly after, Fabrício Bruno headed from a Matheus Pereira corner, forcing a save from Goiás goalkeeper Tadeu.
Cruzeiro continued to dominate, and Tadeu was called into action twice in quick succession—first denying Kaiki’s effort and then stopping another header from Fabrício Bruno. The pressure paid off when a handball by Ramon Menezes led to a penalty. Kaio Jorge confidently stepped up and converted to give Cruzeiro the lead. Minutes later, Kauã Moraes launched a powerful shot straight at goal, but Tadeu stretched to push it away.
In the second half, Cruzeiro remained unchanged while Goiás made a substitution, but the adjustment didn’t have an immediate impact. The game became more balanced, though Cruzeiro pushed forward in search of a second goal. Goiás had a chance when Diego Caito crossed from the right and Bruno Sávio headed wide without much danger.
Regaining control, Cruzeiro threatened again: Sinisterra received from Bruno Rodrigues and unleashed a fierce strike that Tadeu parried. The goalkeeper then made another brilliant save from Sinisterra, who had deflected the ball during its trajectory. From a free kick, Matheus Pereira struck powerfully, sending the ball just wide of the right post. Late in the game, Esli García cut inside from the left and fired a shot that hit the crossbar.
Goiás finished the match with ten outfield players after goalkeeper Tadeu suffered an injury and had to leave the pitch. Having already used all five substitutions, Filipe Machado took over in goal but wasn’t forced to make any saves.
Match Details
Cruzeiro 1 x 0 Goiás
Lineups:
Cruzeiro: Otávio; Kauã Moraes, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Gerson (Lucas Silva), Matheus Pereira (Marquinhos); Kenji (Sinisterra), Kaio Jorge (Villarreal), Arroyo (Bruno Rodrigues). Coach: Artur Jorge.
Goiás: Tadeu; Rodrigo Soares (Diego Caito), Ramon Menezes, Lucas Ribeiro, Nicolas; Filipe Machado, Lucas Rodrigues, Gegê (Lourenço), Lucas Lima (Anselmo Ramon); Jean Carlos (Esli García), Kadu Souza (Bruno Sávio). Coach: Daniel Paulista.
Goal: Kaio Jorge (31′ first half)
Yellow cards: Lucas Romero (CRU); Mikael Doka, Cuenú, Vinícius Diniz, Miranda (GOI)
Referee: Bruno Arleu de Araújo (RJ)
Attendance: 26,337 fans
Venue: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (MG)
