Atlético-MG vs. Cruzeiro in the 28th round of the 2025 Brasileirão had it all: tension, goals, provocations, and a draw that left a bitter taste in the mouth for both teams. In front of 55,000 fans at Arena MRV, Atlético-MG opened the scoring with Hulk, but saw Gabigol equalize for the Raposa in a vibrant derby, complete with chaos on and off the field.
The duel was played in a decisive atmosphere. Atlético-MG was trying to maintain its position in the top six, while Cruzeiro was trying to move away from the danger zone. In the end, the 1-1 draw reflected the balance of a game in which the two Minas Gerais giants alternated dominance, intensity, and excitement.
Introduction – Atlético-MG x Cruzeiro and the scenario before the game
The Atlético-MG vs Cruzeiro classic always carries an intense rivalry, but this Wednesday’s (15) clash had even heavier contours. Galo was coming off a loss to Botafogo and needed a win to stay in the top tier. Cruzeiro, on the other hand, under pressure from the fans, was looking to react after drawing at home in the previous round.
The atmosphere at Arena MRV was electric from the start. Tickets sold out within hours, and the Atlético fans gave the squad a deafening welcome. On the field, the players felt the full weight of their rivalry: fierce tackles, arguments, and even shoving marked the opening minutes.
Galo coach Gabriel Milito maintained the attacking style, with advanced lines and dominant possession. On the other side, Fernando Seabra focused on quick transitions and speed on the wings.
Table Status and Result Impacts
Before the ball rolled, Cruzeiro was in 6th place, dreaming big of a top-four finish. Atlético, on the other hand, was in 14th place, trying to avoid any shadow of relegation.
With the 1-1 draw, both teams found themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Cruzeiro remained competitive but lost two precious points in the race for the Copa Libertadores. Atlético, on the other hand, only picked up one point at home and remains under pressure for results in the upcoming rounds.
More than just the score, the result has a psychological impact. Galo left the field frustrated after wasting clear chances and failing to capitalize on their numerical advantage after Kaio Jorge’s red card. Raposa, on the other hand, celebrated the point earned away from home as a symbol of resilience and commitment.
Atlético fans left the stadium divided between applause and boos. Cruzeiro fans, in turn, celebrated the team’s fighting spirit, even without a victory.
Lineups and Tactical Strategies
Atlético-MG started with an attacking stance, opting for a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation. Arana and Scarpa provided the width, while Hulk and Paulinho alternated positions leading the attack. The goal was to dominate possession and push Cruzeiro into their own half.
Cruzeiro, under Seabra’s leadership, opted for a compact 4-4-2 formation with quick transitions. The strategy was clear: withstand the initial pressure and exploit the opponent’s mistakes. With Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge leading the attack, the blue team sought lethal counterattacks.
During the game, Galo had the upper hand, but Cruzeiro demonstrated tactical intelligence, neutralizing the opponent’s key creative forces. The duel between the full-backs was intense, and the set pieces were a veritable battleground.
First Half – Galo Dominates, But Without Efficiency
The first half belonged almost entirely to Atlético. With greater possession and territorial control, the Minas Gerais team pushed Cruzeiro to the brink. Scarpa had two dangerous shots, and Hulk had a scare from outside the box.
Cruzeiro, despite being under pressure, remained composed. The well-positioned defense prevented direct attacks and relied on quick transitions. In one of the few breakaways, Matheus Pereira tested goalkeeper Everson with a cross-shot.
Tensions escalated in the 38th minute when Celeste goalkeeper Cássio left the field after a head clash. The stoppage slowed the pace, but the rivalry was still blazing on the pitch. The 0-0 halftime score was deceptive—the game was heating up.
Second Half – Goals, expulsion and maximum tension
Early in the second half, Cruzeiro opened the scoring. After a mistake by Galo on the ball, Kaio Jorge recovered and set up Matheus Pereira, who finished with skill to make it 1-0. The stadium fell silent for a moment.
The answer came next: a corner kick taken by Arana, and Ruan Tressoldi went up to the third floor to tie the game, 1-1. The explosion from the stands at Arena MRV was deafening.
From then on, the game turned into a war. Kaio Jorge made a provocative gesture toward the fans and was sent off after a VAR review. Cruzeiro was left with ten men and completely shut down.
Atlético pushed their rivals back. Hulk and Paulinho had clear chances, but were denied by Anderson. Despite their numerical superiority, Atlético couldn’t turn the game around. The final whistle blew with a mixture of relief and frustration.
Complete Match Statistics
| Statistic | Atlético-MG | Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 1 | 1 |
| Goals | Ruan Tressoldi | Matheus Pereira |
| Total completions | 14 | 8 |
| Finishes on target | 6 | 3 |
| Ball possession | 61% | 39% |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Yellow cards | 4 | 3 |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 (Kaio Jorge) |
| Right passes | 488 | 326 |
| Fouls committed | 15 | 18 |
The numbers demonstrate Atlético’s dominance, but they also highlight Cruzeiro’s defensive efficiency. While Galo insisted on possession and pressure, Raposa relied on compactness and quick transitions.
Repercussion and Behind the Scenes
After the final whistle, the atmosphere heated up. Players argued with the referee, and fans launched provocative chants. Cruzeiro’s Gabigol responded to the rival fans’ taunts with a “raised cup” gesture, further inflaming the atmosphere.
In the locker room, Atlético’s coach lamented the missed chances and praised the team’s commitment, highlighting the “lack of composure” in their finishing. Meanwhile, the Celeste commander emphasized the team’s bravery and criticized the refereeing for the confusion that preceded Kaio Jorge’s sending-off.
Behind the scenes, officials tried to downplay the controversy, but the classic left its mark. The draw was fair, but the feeling is that Minas Gerais football emerged victorious thanks to the spectacle on the field.
Post-Match Analysis – What the Draw Reveals
The classic highlighted the contrasts between the two Minas Gerais giants. Atlético-MG showed a strong performance, but remains lacking in offensive efficiency. Cruzeiro, on the other hand, proved they have a solid squad, capable of competing even under pressure and numerical disadvantage.
Tactically, Galo showed improvement in compactness and triangulation on the wings, while Cruzeiro demonstrated defensive maturity and responsiveness. The draw, in the end, seemed a fair reflection of the match—and a reminder that Minas Gerais football remains vibrant and unpredictable.
Conclusion – Atlético-MG x Cruzeiro
Atlético-MG vs. Cruzeiro 2025 was more than just a game: it was an emotional and technical battle. The intensity, drama, and talent on the field demonstrated why the Minas Gerais derby is one of the biggest in the country.
For Galo, the draw is bittersweet, but it signals signs of growth. For Raposa, the result reinforces their fighting spirit and collective strength.
In the end, the 1-1 score doesn’t just change the table — it reaffirms the essence of Minas Gerais football: rivalry, passion, and grit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Atlético-MG x Cruzeiro
- What was the result of the Atlético-MG vs. Cruzeiro derby?
A 1-1 draw in the 28th round of the 2025 Brasileirão. - Who scored the goals in the match?
Cruzeiro opened the scoring with Matheus Pereira, and Atlético equalized with Ruan Tressoldi shortly after. - Were there any red cards in the derby?
Yes: Kaio Jorge was sent off after making a gesture denouncing “robbery.” The referee initially penalized another player due to a miscommunication. - Was goalkeeper Cássio injured?
Yes, he suffered a head clash during a dispute and had to leave the field, triggering medical protocol. - What does the standings look like after this draw?
Cruzeiro remains in a privileged position with 53 points, and Atlético-MG remains in a warning position, occupying 14th place with 33 points. - What was the main criticism of the refereeing?
Referee Paulo César Zanovelli made a mistake by showing a red card to the wrong player, which was corrected by VAR, and by sending off Kaio Jorge in a controversial situation. - How was the derby technically defined?
Atlético dominated in periods of possession and attack, but lacked effective finishing. Cruzeiro was solid defensively, capitalized on an opponent’s mistake, and withstood the peak of pressure.
