Expectations were high for Palmeiras vs. Cruzeiro on Saturday night (16).
And, in fact, both teams delivered plenty in the Matchday 16 clash of the Brasileirão, played at Arena Crefisa Barueri.
With beautiful goals, refereeing under the spotlight, and moments of heavy rain, Verdão and Raposa drew 1-1.
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Everything happened in the 1st half 🤯
Space for both teams to work, aggression/intensity, beautiful goals, and even a penalty that turned into a corner.
The first half was LIVELY in Barueri.
Palmeiras applied the early pressure.
But Cruzeiro struck first.
A mistake playing out from the back led to a beautiful goal by Arroyo (11′), who ended up being booked after an overly exuberant celebration.
Palmeiras lost international call-up Sosa to a possible injury, but they did not take long to respond.
A penalty was initially awarded for Jonathan Jesus on Flaco. But the assistant confirmed it was a corner.
And Felipe Anderson made it level in style as well (20′).
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The No. 7 would be the second Palmeiras player substituted after feeling pain in the back of his left thigh during a sprint.
There was also a little “altercation” after Artur Jorge was upset by the way Giay cleared a ball out for a throw-in — which earned him a card.
Referee in the spotlight
Sávio Pereira Sampaio remained one of the main characters of the match.
Cruzeiro had plenty of complaints after two possible fouls on Gerson were not called.
And on the other side, there were many protests after Christian left Giay on the ground.
But there was also football played in the second half.
And Otávio was one of the standouts with a HUGE SAVE on Gustavo Gómez’s attempt.
The final stretch brought even more end-to-end action in Barueri.
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Andreas had a good chance after winning the ball back, but finished poorly.
Jonathan Jesus almost settled it on his own before two very dangerous Palmeiras attacks.
And the uncertainty over the result remained until the final whistle.
📊 Standings and schedule 📅
A third straight draw in the league took Palmeiras to 35 points.
Five more than second-placed Flamengo, who now have two games in hand.
Cruzeiro, meanwhile, reached 20 points. They remain close to the relegation zone.
Both teams now turn their focus to the Copa Libertadores.
On Wednesday (20), Verdão, leaders of Group F, will host Cerro Porteño (2nd).
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A day earlier, Raposa, second in Group D, will visit Boca (3rd) at La Bombonera.
After that, both return to Brasileirão action.
On Saturday (23), Alviverde will go to the Maracanã to face Flamengo.
Meanwhile, Cabuloso will host Chapecoense on Sunday (24).
Photo: Marco Galvão/Cruzeiro
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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