Cruzeiro and Atlético Battle to 1-1 Draw in Copa do Brasil Quarterfinals
The first match of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals between Cruzeiro and Atlético ended in a 1-1 stalemate at Mineirão on Tuesday night (25). Arroyo delivered a spectacular goal, while Renan Lodi found the net for Atlético.
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The opening half of the match saw minimal action, largely characterized by a tense incident involving Atlético’s Ruan.
The second half, however, excited the 59,225 fans in attendance.
Ruan Sparks Concern
The most notable event of the first half was Ruan’s unfortunate fall. After a collision with Kaio Jorge, the Atlético defender required medical attention and exited the game in the 18th minute.
Atlético began the match with greater intent, displaying effective ball movement, led by standout performances from Fred and Bernard.
In contrast, Cruzeiro struggled to capitalize on their home advantage, particularly in the midfield. Kaio Jorge squandered what appeared to be crucial scoring opportunities.
Only 26 minutes of actual play occurred in the first half, contributing to the lack of goals before halftime.
Cruzeiro Strikes with a Stunning Goal
As the match progressed, Atlético’s solid defense faltered, allowing Cruzeiro to seize control and apply pressure. The breakthrough came when Arroyo received a pass from Matheus Pereira and scored a stunning goal in the 60th minute.
This was yet another highlight moment for the No. 99 at Gigante da Pampulha.
Response from Atlético
Following a period of inactivity, Atlético managed to respond just 10 minutes after conceding. A miscommunication between Fagner and Fabrício Bruno enabled Lodi to capitalize on Cuello’s assist and level the score at 1-1 in the 70th minute.
The closing minutes saw Cruzeiro spending more time in Atlético’s half, but they failed to create any substantial scoring opportunities. The match ended with another collision, this time involving Everson and Bruno Rodrigues.
With the score tied, everything remains to play for in the second leg.
Looking Ahead
The return match is set for next Tuesday, September 1, at Arena MRV, where Atlético will play as the home team. A second draw would lead the teams to penalties. The victorious side will earn a prize of R$ 9 million and proceed to face either Grêmio or Internacional in the semifinals.
Featured photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
The first Cruzeiro vs. Atlético clash in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Copa do Brasil ended without a winner at Mineirão.
Arroyo — with a stunning goal — and Renan Lodi scored in Tuesday night’s (25) 1-1 draw.
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The first half featured little football and a tense moment involving Atlético’s Ruan.
The second half, meanwhile, delivered more excitement in front of 59,225 fans.
Ruan causes concern
The most eye-catching moment of the first half was Ruan’s nasty fall.
After being hit by Kaio Jorge, the Atlético defender received treatment but had to leave the match in the 18th minute.
Atlético started better, moving the ball more effectively.
The standout performers were the tireless Fred and Bernard.
Cruzeiro, in turn, took time to make home advantage count.
For example, they struggled to create through the middle.
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And Kaio Jorge lacked precision on what could have been the best chance.
There were only 26 minutes of actual play in the first half.
That helped explain the goalless score before the break.
Cruzeiro on the attack and a stunning goal
The solid marking by Galo did not hold up.
Cruzeiro made the most of it.
They began to control the action and pin their rivals back.
And the extra space paid off when Arroyo received the ball from Matheus Pereira and scored a stunning goal (60′).
Another beautiful goal from the No. 99 at the Gigante da Pampulha.
Action brings… reaction!
After failing to threaten at all since the restart, Atlético managed to respond 10 minutes later.
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Fagner and Fabrício Bruno got their wires crossed, allowing Lodi to take Cuello’s pass and beat Otávio (70′).
The final minutes saw Raposa spending more time in the opposition half.
But without creating any real scoring chances.
Another collision, this time between Everson and Bruno Rodrigues, marked the final minute.
Everything remains open for the second leg.
What now❓
The return leg will be next Tuesday, September 1.
It will take place at Arena MRV, with Atlético as the home side.
Another draw would send the tie to penalties.
Whoever advances will secure prize money of R$ 9 million.
And will face Grêmio or Internacional in the semifinals.
Featured photo: Pedro Souza / Atlético
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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