Atlético-MG had extensive dominance over rival Cruzeiro, this Saturday (20), won 3-0 the match for the third round of the Brasileirão and, finally, put an end to the taboo on classics at Arena MRV.
It was the fourth duel between the rivals at Galo’s new home — previously, Raposa had won two games and achieved a draw.
This time, Atlético-MG didn’t give Cruzeiro any chance. The three goals of the classic were scored in the first half, between 24 and 46 minutes.
Zaracho’s great goal and Anderson’s miss
Zaracho opened the scoring with a great volley, taking advantage of an assist from Gustavo Scarpa. Top scorer at Arena MRV, Paulinho expanded by deflecting Hulk’s cross kick. And Arana closed the scoring, with goalkeeper Anderson missing.
Atlético-MG wins its first victory in the Brasileirão, going 5 points and taking fifth place, provisionally.
Cruzeiro, in turn, lost for the first time in the championship, after a win and a draw. It has 4 points, in provisional ninth position.
Upcoming games
Atlético will return to the field next Tuesday (23). Leader of Group G of the Copa Libertadores, the team from Minas Gerais hosts Peñarol, from Uruguay, at Arena MRV. The duel is also scheduled for 9pm (Brasília time).
Cruzeiro, in turn, has a challenge for the Copa Sudamericana. In Chile, Fernando Seabra’s men face Union La Calera, in the 3rd round of Group B. The ball also starts at 9pm.
How was the game
The first minutes of the classic were a study on both sides. Cruzeiro, the visitor, was even more intense than Atlético. However, without scaring goalkeeper Everson.
Pushed by the fans, Galo improved and went on the attack.
At 25, the first goal of the match came. After a great play by Gustavo Scarpa, Matías Zaracho made a beautiful volley and filled the Cruzeiro net.
Paulinho expands
In the following minutes, Galo continued to press. Cruzeiro, in turn, tried to respond immediately, but without success. At 34, the second came. Again with a play started by Scarpa, Hulk kicked hard and, halfway through, Paulinho deflected the ball and expanded.
In 16 matches this season, the number 10 scored six goals.
In the 43rd minute, Matheus Pereira played for Lucas Silva. From the entrance to the penalty area, the midfielder saw Rafa Silva. The attacker kicked, the ball was going in, but Alan Franco saved what would have been Cruzeiro’s goal.
It turned into a walk
At 45 minutes, the third came. Arana took a risk from outside the area and surprised goalkeeper Anderson. The Cruzeiro archer missed and the score at Arena MRV pointed to 3-0 for the home team.
For the second half, both coaches made changes to their respective teams.
On the Atletico side, Milito removed Zaracho and activated Igor Gomes. On the Cruzeiro side, Seabra brought out Filipe Machado and Arthur Gomes; Zé Ivaldo and Barreal entered.
Controlled second half
With the elastic score achieved in the first half, Atlético put its foot on the brakes and was less intense. But that didn’t stop the attacks in search of the fourth goal.
Cruzeiro, in turn, tried to take advantage of the spaces left by the Atlético defense. But the team couldn’t reach Everson’s goal.
Atlético-MG 3 x 0 Cruzeiro
Atlético-MG: Everson; Saravia, Jemerson (Maurice Lemos), Battaglia and William Spider; Ottavio, Alan Franco, Gustavo Scarpa (Alisson) and Zaracho (Igor Gomes); Hulk and Paulinho (Eduargo Vargas). Technician: Gabriel Milito.
Cruise: Anderson; William, Neris (Gabriel Veron), João Marcelo, Marlon; Machado (Zé Ivaldo), Ramiro, Lucas Silva (Matheus Vital), Matheus Pereira; Arthur Gomes (Barreal) and Rafa Silva (Rafael Elias). Coach: Fernando Seabra.
Reason: 3rd round of the Brazilian Championship.
Data: April 20, 2024, Saturday.
Local: MRV Arena, in Belo Horizonte.
Time: 9pm (Brasília time).
Arbitration: Ramon Abatti Abel, assisted by Rafael da Silva Alves and Alex dos Santos.
WAS: Wagner Reway.
Goals: Zaracho, from Atlético, at 24’/1st Q; Paulinho, from Atlético, at 34’/1st Q; Guilherme Arana, at 46’/1st Q.
Yellow cards: João Marcelo, Lucas Silva (Cruzeiro); Paulinho, Mauricio Lemos (Atlético).
Public: 39.541.
Income: R$ 2.151.652,52.
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This content was originally created in Itatiaia.
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