Cruzeiro and Betim Draw in Thrilling Campeonato Mineiro Clash

2025-01-26

Cruzeiro faced Betim this Saturday (25th) at 4:30 PM at Mineirão, in the third round of the Campeonato Mineiro. The match marked the debut of Gabigol and Matheus Pereira in the starting lineup of the Fox, in front of over 30,000 fans present at the stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Betim opening the score in the first half and Cruzeiro equalising late in the second half, with a goal from Lautaro Díaz.

Betim started better, pressuring Cássio’s goal and opening the score in the 38th minute of the first half, with a header from Eurico after a cross from Foguinho. Cruzeiro, despite having more possession, struggled to create clear goal-scoring opportunities. Gabigol, in his official debut, had few chances and was unable to finish efficiently.

In the second half, coach Fernando Diniz made changes, bringing on Marquinhos and Villalba on the flanks, and Cruzeiro began to have a greater presence in the opponent’s half. In the 41st minute of the second half, Fabrício Bruno crossed from the right, and Lautaro Díaz, who had come on for Kaio Jorge, headed into the corner to secure the draw. However, the fans did not hold back their criticism of Diniz, who was booed at the end of the match.

With the result, Cruzeiro reached four points in the Campeonato Mineiro, remaining at the top of Group C, while Betim, with seven points, continues to lead Group A. The pressure on Fernando Diniz increased after another result below expectations, and the coach will have to seek the team’s recovery in the next round, when Cruzeiro faces Itabirito.