Cruzeiro achieved this Sunday (25) its second title in the traditional Copa São Paulo for juniors. The celestial team defeated São Paulo 2-1, at the Pacaembu stadium, and repeated the achievement obtained in 2007.
In their previous triumph, the celestial team had beaten São Paulo itself, on penalties – with heroics from goalkeeper Rafael, who today defends the Morumbi team. This time, it featured goals from William and Gustavinho to celebrate the anniversary of the capital of São Paulo.
It was another blow for São Paulo fans, who have suffered many in recent days. The week saw the resignation of President Julio Casares – on a day of a police operation investigating an alleged corruption scheme – and two defeats for the professional team, against Portuguesa and Palmeiras.
In the decision, Cruzeiro started the match better and opened the scoring after 12 minutes. Baptistella took a corner from the right, at the second post, and goalkeeper João Pedro missed the goal. William climbed freely and swung the net.
The celestial team had two clear chances to extend the score and did not take advantage of them. Then, in stoppage time of the first half, at 46, Isac appeared in the small area after a cross in the area and a deflection by Gustavo Santana to equalize.
The game was open after the break, with opportunities for both sides. The game was decided by a shot from outside the box by Gustavinho, in the 29th minute. The ball exploded off the post, hit archer João Pedro’s back and went in.
São Paulo went on to celebrate a penalty shortly after, following an infraction by Kaiquy Luiz, but the video referee indicated that the shot was outside the area. The tricolor team still tried to apply pressure, but did not avoid defeat.
