Cruzeiro and Betim Draw in a Thrilling Campeonato Mineiro Match

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 equalizing late in the second half, with a goal by Lautaro Díaz.

Betim started better, pressuring Cássio’s goal and scoring at the 38th minute of the first half, with a header by Eurico after a cross by 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 in Marquinhos and Villalba on the flanks, and Cruzeiro began to have more presence in the opponent’s field. At the 41st minute of the second half, Fabrício Bruno crossed from the right, and Lautaro Díaz, who had come on for Kaio Jorge, headed the ball into the corner to secure the draw. However, the fans did not spare criticism for Diniz, who was booed at the end of the match.

With the result, Cruzeiro reached four points in the Campeonato Mineiro, maintaining their lead in Group C, while Betim, with seven points, remains the leader of 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.