Com practically reserve team starting the gamebut placing pieces important in the second halfo Cruzeiro was surprised by the Democrat-GV. At Mineirão, the celestial team lost 1-0 this Thursday (22/01), in the fourth round of the 2026 Mineiro Championship, and suffered their second defeat as hosts in the competition.
Gerson, Raposa’s main signing in January, debuted and started. From the base starting team, only goalkeeper Cássio, who injured his left hand, and defender Jonathan Jesus were selected among the 11 by coach Tite. The substitutions included goalkeeper Otávio, midfielders Matheus Pereira and Christian, and attackers Kaio Jorge and Néiser, the latter a reinforcement in the window.
🕘 Game over.
🔷 #CRUxECD | 0-1 | #GreatChampion pic.twitter.com/dmsw7WBoHw— Cruzeiro 🦊 (@Cruzeiro) January 22, 2026
Cruise x Democrat-GV: how it was
Raposa largely controlled the actions from the opening whistle, suffocating the opponent and creating several opportunities, but was hampered by a lack of aim. There were 14 shots in the first half alone, without being able to clear the scoreboard. The Democrat, tightly closed, resisted the pressure.
Tite chose to start the match with an alternative lineup, but maintained the offensive proposal. Cruzeiro’s dominance was clear, although unproductive. At halftime, the change was in goal: Cássio, with discomfort in his left hand, gave way to Otávio.
When the second half returned, the scenario remained the same, and the coach started to use players considered to be starters. The additions of Matheus Pereira and Christian gave the team more creativity, while Gerson, Brazilian football’s main signing in 2025, made his debut with the Celeste shirt, organizing the game and connecting the sectors.
Despite the technical improvement, an individual error completely changed the course of the match. In the 15th minute, Fagner tried to pass the ball back to Otávio, but Bryan anticipated, stole possession and finished through coverage, scoring the only goal of the game.
Cruzeiro continued the attack until the end. Kaio Jorge even tried a bicycle kick in one of the few gaps made available by the Democrat, but goalkeeper Thulio, the highlight of the match, held on once again. Not even the debut of striker Néiser Villarreal, who played for around 25 minutes, was enough to avoid the stumble.
In the end, frustration for the more than 20 thousand fans present at Mineirão. Even though they were dominant, Cruzeiro left the field again without scoring and saw victory slip away due to a defensive detail.
Despite the result, Raposa remains at the top of Group C, with six points. The next appointment will be the classic against Atlético, on Sunday (25/1), at 6pm, at Arena MRV. Democrat-GV reached seven points and occupies second place in Group D, facing Tombense in the next round.
Cruzeiro lineup against Democrata-GV
Cássio (Otávio, during the break); Fagner, Jonathan Jesus, João Marcelo and Kauã Prates; Ryan Guilherme (Matheus Pereira, at 11′ of the 1st Q), Japa and Gerson (Néiser, at 28′ of the 2nd Q); Arroyo, Kaique Kenji (Christian, at 11′ of the 2nd Q) and Chico da Costa (Kaio Jorge, at 18′ of the 2nd Q). Technical: Tite.
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