Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Cruzeiro and Coritiba draw 0-0
In a very tight match at the Arena Independência in Belo Horizonte, Cruzeiro and Coritiba played out a 0-0 draw in the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship. Both teams missed crucial chances that could have changed the outcome of the game. In the first half, Wesley wasted a clear chance for Cruzeiro, while Kaio failed to capitalize on an opportunity for Coritiba at the end of the match. In the second half, Cruzeiro goalkeeper Rafael Cabral put in an exceptional performance and made several impressive saves to thwart Coritiba’s attempts. Despite the physical effort, technical errors plagued Cruzeiro, resulting in a disappointing draw at home. The result doesn’t help Cruzeiro’s quest for a place in the top six, nor does it help Coritiba in their fight against relegation. Coritiba, however, can take solace in the fact that they picked up a crucial point away from home. Cruzeiro will now face Goiás in a game that should have the same intensity next week, with the aim of recovering and securing a win.
Controversial refereeing overshadows goalless draw between Fluminense and Flamengo
As in the match between Cruzeiro and Coritiba, a goalless draw was recorded. But the draws were different. The clubs at the top of the standings fought a real battle at the Maracanã. The hosts received 8 yellow cards, while the visitors received 6 and 1 red card for Luis Araujo in the 98th minute. There were also goals. In the 59th minute, Jhon Arias shot into Matheus Cunha’s bottom corner, but Fluminense’s joy was short-lived. After studying the episode on the VAR, the referee disallowed the goal due to a foul during the attack. In the 88th minute, Gabriel hit the right corner of the goal. The Flamengo fans began to celebrate their away win, but the referee disallowed the goal as well. The reason is the same. Foul play in attack. As a result, Flamengo remained in second place with 27 points, while Fluminense dropped to fifth with 25 points.
São Paulo beat Santos 4-1 in a dominant display
São Paulo put in an impeccable performance to beat Santos 4-1 in a thrilling match at the Morumbi in the 15th round of the Brasileirão. After their recent triumph over Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil, Dorival Júnior’s side continued their excellent run of form, temporarily securing fourth place in the league and moving into the G4. The stadium was packed with more than 58,000 passionate fans, witnessing São Paulo’s biggest crowd in the 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro. Calleri opened the scoring from the penalty spot, scoring again before the break: 2-0. In the second half, the Tricolor’s total dominance was confirmed by goals from Alexandro Pato and David; 4-0. In addition, in the 82nd minute, Erison hit the Santos crossbar. Just before the final whistle, the visitors managed to score a prestigious goal; Marcos Leonardo, from the penalty spot, 4-1. São Paulo’s dominant game delighted their fans and highlighted their formidable league form.
Atlético beat Bahia 2-0 with a clinical display
Athletico showed their clinical efficiency in the first half, securing a 2-0 win over Bahia at the Arena da Baixada. The match initially lacked intensity and failed to captivate the fans with its overall quality of play. However, the individual brilliance came when Vitor Roque opened the scoring, finding the back of the net to give Athletico the lead. The home side’s confidence grew, and Khellven’s precise delivery allowed Erick to head home, doubling the lead. In the second half, Athletico effectively controlled the score and tried to solidify their victory through counter-attacks. Christian came close to extending the lead, but was denied by Marcos Felipe’s resilient save. Bahia, uninspired, tried to minimize the deficit, but missed their best chance when Thaciano’s header went wide. With the result, Athletico moved up to 8th place with 23 points, while Bahia are in 16th place with 13 points.
Internacional and Palmeiras draw goalless in a game of missed chances
Palmeiras fell into the “black tide”. First, they were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil and, in the league, they haven’t won for five matches (two defeats and now three draws). This time, Abel Ferreira’s side dropped points against Internacional at Beira Rio. Although both teams had opportunities to open the scoring, they fell victim to excellent defending or wasted their chances. The most notable failure was that of Palmeiras’ Raphael Veiga, who failed to convert a golden opportunity in the first half. Weverton, the Palmeiras goalkeeper, made crucial saves to deny Enner Valencia and Vitão, from Internacional. For his part, Internacional goalkeeper John showed his ability to save shots, preventing Gabriel Menino and Murilo from reaching the back of the net. As the game progressed, both teams seemed content with the 0-0 scoreline, resulting in a lacklustre game. Palmeiras remain in sixth place with 25 points, while Internacional, without a win in their last three league games, are in 11th place with 22 points.
Cuiabá beat Fortaleza 1-0, withstanding pressure at the end
Cuiabá showed their efficiency by capitalizing on their opportunities and avoiding Fortaleza’s pressure to secure a crucial 1-0 win at the Castelão Arena. In the 19th minute, Fortaleza goalkeeper João Ricardo made a gross error and Deyverson put the visitors ahead. The hosts had the chance to equalize late in the game. In the 81st minute, Emanuel Britez hit the crossbar with a shot from close range. In the 93rd minute, his teammates had no luck either. Guilherme hit the post from a lethal position. The ball fell to Lucas Crispim, who shot over the crossbar. The win moved Cuiabá up to 13th place with 19 points, while Fortaleza remained in 8th place with 23 points. Cuiabá’s defensive resilience and Fortaleza’s missed chances defined the match, providing an intense battle for the spectators.