Cruzeiro is in the final of the 2026 Mineiro Championship. On a night of little excitement and many wasted chances, the celestial team beat Pouso Alegre 1-0 this Saturday (28), at Mineirão, in the second leg of the semifinal. Kaio Jorge scored the winning goal, 51 minutes into the second half.
As they won the first leg 2-1, Raposa qualified by the aggregate score: 3-1. The star team now awaits the winner of the tie between América and Atlético, who drew in the first game and will decide their place this Sunday (1st).
Owner of 38 titles, Cruzeiro returns to the state championship decision after two years. The team is fighting to end a seven-year drought, as the last achievement took place in 2019.
When will the Minas Gerais Championship final be?
This time, the final of the Campeonato Mineiro will be played in a single duel. The game will be held next weekend, with no set date and time yet.
Other commitments
At the national level, Cruzeiro will play again against Flamengo, on March 11th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), away from home, in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship. Pouso Alegre awaits the start of Series D.
Tite repeats the team
Even with the pressure, Tite kept the same team that drew 1-1 with Corinthians, last Wednesday (25), at Mineirão, in a Series A game of the Brazilian Championship. Down with the crowd,
100 games of Cassius
Cássio completed his 100th game for Cruzeiro against Pouso Alegre. At the club since mid-2024, the goalkeeper became the leader of the squad and synonymous with security for the fans.
Cruzeiro presses and tries to ‘knead’
As expected, Cruzeiro took control of the game from the beginning. The celestial team went up and scored Pouso Alegre’s ball high. The occupation of the opposing field was total.
Thiago Braga ‘becomes Neuer’
Amid the celestial volume, great chances were created. The Cruzeiro team had many chances to score, but were stopped by sensational saves from goalkeeper Thiago Braga. The Dragão archer had a “first half” from Neuer and prevented goals from Matheus Pereira, Kaio Jorge and Christian.
Gerson worries
. The number 11 felt pain in his knee after a blow from Gabriel Tota and was substituted 25 minutes into the first half. Arroyo entered the vacancy.
Pouso Alegre is in danger
Danilo Gabriel climbed Pouso Alegre with a clear instruction: mark firmly and launch counterattacks. In this vein, the team resisted before the break and even put goalkeeper Cássio in danger. With direct connections and speed, Pousão visited the celestial defense and caused problems.
Script remains in the second half
The first half script was maintained in the first 25 minutes of the final stage. Cruzeiro continued with a strong presence in attack, but was hampered by a lack of effectiveness and the good performance of Thiago Braga.
Cassio feels; reinforcement debut
Cássio had to be replaced for physical reasons in the second half. The goalkeeper felt pain in his knee and left the field after 18 minutes. Hired by Cruzeiro at the beginning of the year, Matheus Cunha entered the field and made his debut for the celestial team. The former Flamengo player has recovered from a knee injury suffered in January.
Tension in the air
Without being able to break through Pouso Alegre’s blockade, Cruzeiro saw the game have a tense atmosphere in the final stretch.
Gol!
When the lights went out, Cruzeiro scored! Kaio Jorge, free in the penalty area, beat goalkeeper Thiago Braga with a low shot.
