Cruzeiro suffers in the second half and is beaten by Botafogo in their debut in the Brasileirão

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O Cruise did not have a happy debut in Series A of the 2026 Brazilian Championship. The celestial team was beaten 4-0 by Botafogothis Thursday (29), at the Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro. The goals in Rio’s triumph were scored by Danilo (twice), Matheus Martins and Artur.

The celestial team created opportunities before the break, but did not take advantage. In the second half, Glorioso took advantage of the blue disorganization, imposed superiority, was effective and scored the goals to win.

With the result, Raposa is in 20th position, still without points won. Fogão has three and is in the lead.

The teams return to the field at the weekend for the state championships. Cruzeiro visits Betim Futebol on Sunday (1), at 8pm (Brasília time), in a game from the sixth round of the Campeonato Mineiro. On the same day, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), Botafogo faces Fluminense in a match in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship.

For the Brazilian Championship, the next celestial challenge will be against Coritiba, on February 5th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Mineirão. The Estrela Solitária team, in turn, will visit Grêmio on the 4th, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time).

Line-ups for the match

On the black and white side, Martín Anselmi, on his debut, opted for a team with three defenders – only one of whom was from origin: Neto; Ponte, Barboza and Newton; Vitinho, Allan, Danilo, Montoro and Alex Telles; Santi Rodríguez and Arthur Cabral.

Tite, in turn, changed the team and activated Fagner and Gerson in the places of William and Christian, respectively: Cássio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, Kaiki; Lucas Silva, Lucas Romero, Gerson, Matheus Pereira, Wanderson and Kaio Jorge.

Textor is present

Under pressure due to the serious crisis that SAF Botafogo is going through, John Textor was present at Nilton Santos and watched the match from his box. The presence of the leader was uncertain.

Botafogo dominates possession in the first minutes

Owner of the house, Botafogo kept the ball and tried to attack Cruzeiro in the first minutes of the game. The Rio team bet on the quality of Álvaro Montoro, Danilo, Santi Rodríguez and Arthur Cabral to bring danger.

Cruise marks, but not worth it

Cruzeiro scored the first goal of the game 20 minutes into the first half, but it didn’t count. Offside, Kaio Jorge scored after starting and dribbling past goalkeeper Neto. Assistant Brígida Cirilo raised the flag and invalidated the move.

Cruise is better before the break

Now more comfortable on the field, Cruzeiro began to dominate the actions in the second half of the first half. The celestial team created good opportunities, especially with Gerson on the right side, but had difficulty converting them.

1-0 for Glorioso

Botafogo came back with everything after the break. Just two minutes into the final stage, Danilo took advantage of Arthur Cabral’s great pivot, invaded the area and finished with precision to beat Cássio.

Gerson leaves the field and becomes a concern

Gerson had to leave the pitch due to pain in the second half. The player felt his ankle after a play in the big game and was replaced by Tite.

With ten on the field, Cruzeiro takes second from Botafogo

Botafogo’s second goal came at a time when Cruzeiro was outnumbered. Before the arrival of Gerson’s replacement, who left due to injury, Fogão took advantage of the chance and, in a counterattack, scored the second goal of the game with Matheus Martins, in the 30th minute of the second half.

One more: 3-0 for Fogão

Danilo shone once again and scored Botafogo’s third in the 40th minute of the second half. Free in the penalty area, the midfielder headed to score.

It turned into a ride!

Disorganized on the field, Cruzeiro was easy prey for Botafogo to extend the rout. In stoppage time, Artur scored the fourth for the Rio team.

Botafogo 4 x 0 Cruzeiro

Botafogo

Neto; Bridge, Barboza and Newton; Vitinho, Allan (Artur), Danilo, Fernandes (Marçal); St. Rodriguez (Barrera) and Arthur Cabral. Technical: Anselmi Market.

Cruise

Cassio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus (João Marcelo), Kaiki; Lucas Silva (Christian), Lucas Romero (Matheus Henrique), Gerson (Kenji), Matheus Pereira, Wanderson (Arroyo) and Kaio Jorge. Coach: Tite.

Reason: 1st round of the Brazilian Championship
Date and time: January 29th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time)
Location: Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro

Referee: Matheus Delgado Candançan
Assistants: Brigida Cirilo Ferreira and Schumacher Marques Gomes
VAR: Rodrigo Guarizo Ferreira Do Amaral

Goals: Danilo (2), Artur and Matheus Martins (Botafogo)
Yellow cards: Allan (Botafogo); Lucas Silva and Kenji (Cruzeiro)
Red card:

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