Atlético-MG secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Cruzeiro at the Arena MRV on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, advancing to the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. Midfielder Fred delivered a standout performance in the final minutes, providing an assist and scoring the decisive goal to overturn Kaio Jorge’s first-half penalty for Cruzeiro, according to match reports.
The team will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Grêmio and Internacional in the next round.
First-Half Penalty and Tressoldi Injury
Cruzeiro opened the scoring in the first half through Kaio Jorge. According to match coverage, Kaio Jorge converted from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after being brought down inside the box by defender Vitão. The sequence followed an early defensive disruption for Cruzeiro when center-back Ruan Tressoldi sustained a muscular injury in the 14th minute and had to be replaced by Vitão.
Atlético-MG dominated the early exchanges of the clásico. Forward Cassierra hit the crossbar in the second minute following a corner kick taken by Bernard. Minutes later, Cuello drove down the right flank and set up Bernard, whose close-range shot was saved by Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otávio. Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities in the opening period, Atlético-MG went into halftime trailing by a single goal.
Turning Point: Villalba Red Card
The dynamic of the match shifted fifteen minutes into the second half. Cruzeiro defender Villalba received his second yellow card from referee Raphael Claus in the 15th minute after catching Cuello in the face during an aerial challenge, leaving the visitors with ten men.
With a man advantage, Atlético-MG increased pressure on the Cruzeiro defense. Goalkeeper Otávio made several crucial saves, denying efforts from Cuello and Renan Lodi, whose cross-range shot grazed the left post.
Fred’s Late Heroics Seal Semifinal Berth
Atlético-MG’s pressure finally yielded results in the 32nd minute of the second half. Midfielder Fred, signed as a high-profile reinforcement for the latter stage of the season, collected a pass from Gustavo Scarpa and delivered a precise cross to Victor Hugo near the penalty spot. Victor Hugo controlled the ball and finished low past Otávio to equalize.
Four minutes from regular time, Fred completed the comeback. Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, the midfielder struck a curling left-footed shot that beat Otávio to find the back of the net, marking his first goal for the club and securing the 2-1 victory on the night.
Next Steps in the Copa do Brasil
Atlético-MG awaits the conclusion of the other quarterfinal tie to learn its semifinal opponent. Grêmio and Internacional meet on Thursday, April 3, 2026, to decide the second semifinalist, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Beira-Rio.
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