Written by Raphael Silva: @TostaodeProsa
When Cruzeiro secured their return to Brazil’s Série A in 2022, it wasn’t just a giant reclaiming its place among the elite — it was an entire fanbase reigniting a dream that had so often felt out of reach.
Three grueling years battling in the Série B, three years where fans’ hearts beat in rhythm with hope and patience. The return brought relief, but the mission was only beginning. The objective for 2023 was clear: to remain in the top flight of Brazilian football and earn a spot in an international competition. One step at a time, grounded but with eyes firmly set on the future.
The 2023 Brasileirão campaign began with promise, reigniting confidence among the Cruzeiro faithful. With every victory, fans couldn’t help but wonder: What if this is the year? What if Cruzeiro holds onto these top spots until the end of the season? But the journey was never going to be easy.
Challenges arose — a misfiring attack, mounting anxiety, and the weight of expectations. Yet, through it all, the stands remained alive, filled with unwavering support and belief, even amidst the struggles. The fans were always there, reminding everyone that Cruzeiro is more than just a club — it’s a religion, a love that endures.
Cruzeiro stood firm. In the final stretch, with one match to spare, the team secured its place among Brazil’s elite and, as a bonus, earned a ticket to the 2024 Copa Sudamericana. It felt like a deeply personal victory — a triumph that only those who lived through every agonizing moment of this journey could truly understand.
Between dreams and harsh reality
In 2024, Cruzeiro was dreaming big. Returning to the international stage was already an accomplished goal; now, the pursuit was for glory. The team found itself in Group B of the Copa Sudamericana, alongside Ecuador’s Universidad Católica, Chile’s Unión La Calera, and Colombia’s Alianza FC.
The group’s opening match coincided with the finals of the State Championship, and Cruzeiro, after four years of Atlético Mineiro dominance and a 2–2 draw in the first leg at their rival’s ground, had its sights set on the title.
Argentinian coach Nicolás Larcamón, known for his calm demeanor and sharp focus, had recently arrived at Cruzeiro, bringing with him the glory of a CONCACAF Champions League title with Mexico’s León. He faced a critical dilemma: split focus across competitions or go all-in on just one? Larcamón chose to field mostly reserves in the clash against Ecuador’s Universidad Católica.
The result was an uninspired Cruzeiro performance, marked by a lack of creativity and struggles to handle the altitude of Quito. A 0–0 draw ensued — a modest start that, at the time, seemed like just a minor footnote.
Football has a way of surprising everyone. In the State Championship final, Cruzeiro’s first goal of the season slipped away. After taking the lead with a header from Mateus Vital, the title fell through their grasp.
Atlético-MG extended their reign for another year, turning the game around to secure a 3–1 victory at the Mineirão. For Nicolás Larcamón, there was no time to win back the fans. Just four months after his arrival, the final whistle of the Campeonato Mineiro also marked the end of his tenure at Cruzeiro.
The game that changed everything
It was supposed to be a fresh start — the beginning of a renewed Cruzeiro, ready to leave behind the frustration of losing the state title.
After the bitter defeat to their biggest rival and Nicolás Larcamón’s departure, the club placed its trust in Fernando Seabra, a familiar name who understood the essence and history of Cruzeiro.
Seabra, a former youth coach for the club, came from Red Bull Bragantino’s project where he had been managing their B team, bringing with him a sense of hope. In his first match at the helm, it seemed like Cruzeiro was finally set to rediscover its path.
Seabra’s debut came against Colombia’s Alianza FC, where he chose to preserve some aspects of Larcamón’s work, keeping most of the starting lineup intact but altering the tactical framework. He moved away from the 4–2–3–1 system with a back-three build-up, where left-back Marlon acted as a third centre-back in a positional play structure.
Instead, Seabra implemented a 4–3–3, emphasizing a more structured build-up and greater fluidity on the flanks, with midfielders and forwards adopting more dynamic positional interchanges.
The match began in electrifying fashion at Mineirão. Cruzeiro stormed to a three-goal lead within 19 minutes, led by a masterclass performance from Matheus Pereira. Arthur Gomes, heavily involved on the wings, contributed two assists and was relentless in one-on-one situations. Zé Ivaldo and Lucas Romero commanded the build-up play, enabling the team to progress fluidly.
It seemed like the perfect night for Cruzeiro. But football, often cruel, has a way of reminding us that nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle.
In an inexplicable blackout, the magic unraveled before the eyes of the fans. Alianza Lima fought back, goal by goal, until leveling the score with a dagger in the 96th minute. The 3–3 draw at Mineirão wasn’t just a poor result on the field — it was a severe blow to Ronaldo Fenômeno’s management.
Fans unleashed their anger, demanding greater investment in the club. In a dramatic protest, they set fire to a flag bearing his image in a public square, a moment that ultimately led R9 to decide to sell his majority stake in the club.
Ronaldo’s farewell
The final match under Ronaldo Fenômeno’s management in the Copa Sudamericana took place far from home.
Cruzeiro faced Unión La Calera in a game marked by apathy and timid football, relying on flashes of brilliance from Argentine Álvaro Barreal and Matheus Pereira’s efforts to inject rhythm into the attack.
While the team often reached the final third, it only served to highlight their lack of firepower to finish plays. The 0–0 draw left the team in a tough spot in the group, outside the qualification zone and still winless after three games.
It was as if the field mirrored the crisis unfolding behind the scenes. And there, on Chilean soil, Cruzeiro closed one chapter to open another.
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A turnaround in the season
With Pedro Lourenço taking over as the new owner, Cruzeiro felt the breath of new life within the club. The management transition brought Alexandre Mattos as the new CEO of football, a figure renowned in the market for his bold and extravagant approach to signings.
Mattos also holds a special place in Cruzeiro’s history, having served as the director of football in 2013 and 2014, when the club secured back-to-back Brazilian championships.
Lourenço, together with Mattos, had an unwavering commitment: to restore Cruzeiro’s winning spirit. It was no longer just about participating in the Sudamericana — it was about conquering it. The message was clear and urgent — much needed to change, and it had to happen immediately. There was a firm belief that with determination and effort, it was still possible to win the remaining three games and advance.
This renewed mindset quickly translated onto the field. In the fourth round Cruzeiro traveled to Colombia with a renewed purpose determined to rewrite its story in the competition.
The team didn’t just play; they dominated. A commanding 3–0 victory over Alianza brought both relief and affirmation. Luca Silva, Arthur Gomes, and Rafael Elias found the back of the net, reigniting the fans’ hope that something special was unfolding.
One step away: Round of 16
In the fifth match, Cruzeiro played for direct qualification. To achieve this, they needed to beat Unión La Calera and hope for a slip-up by Universidad Católica against the group’s bottom team, Alianza. In the Sudamericana, only the group winner secures a direct spot in the Round of 16, and Cruzeiro was eager to avoid the treacherous path of the playoffs.
Matheus Pereira and William delivered exceptional performances, dominating at the most crucial moment of the group stage. The narrow scoreline didn’t reflect Cruzeiro’s superiority on the pitch.
The victory, combined with a 0–0 draw between Universidad Católica and Alianza, put Cruzeiro in a favorable position — now, their fate was in their own hands to secure the top spot in the group.
Cruzeiro Advances: Relief in the final minutes
The final group stage match was set to be a celebration. A packed Mineirão, a confident crowd, and Cruzeiro needing a win to secure first place and a direct spot in the Round of 16.
On paper, it seemed like the perfect scenario — a night for Cruzeiro to reaffirm its strength and seal qualification. However, the team’s recent history in the competition had already shown that Cruzeiro’s path was rarely straightforward.
Ecuador’s Universidad Católica came determined to challenge Cruzeiro until the very last minute. On the pitch, anxiety grew with each wasted chance, every ball that refused to find the back of the net. The crowd, restless but relentless, pushed the team forward, turning tension into a collective roar.
Finally, in the 80th minute, relief swept over the stadium. Rafa Silva, in the most anticipated moment of the night, broke through on goal and found the back of the net. The goal was a cry of liberation, and Mineirão erupted in celebration.
The narrow 1–0 scoreline was all Cruzeiro needed. Direct qualification to the Round of 16 was secured, but the next challenge in the knockout stage promised to be massive: the winner of the playoff between Boca Juniors and Independiente Del Valle would be their next opponent.
Reinforcements debut but Cavani decides
Fate brought Cruzeiro and Boca Juniors together once more, but this time, the Brazilian side arrived reinforced. With Pedro Lourenço at the helm and substantial investments, the transfer window marked a turning point.
Cruzeiro strengthened its squad with notable signings: Cássio, the legendary Corinthians goalkeeper and champion of the Libertadores and Club World Cup against Chelsea, arrived on a free transfer.
The club also secured three talents from Serie A in Italy: Walace, a solid defensive midfielder from Udinese, signed for €7 million; Matheus Henrique, a dynamic and intense midfielder from Sassuolo, acquired for €6 million; and Kaio Jorge, a promising forward from Juventus, previously on loan at Frosinone, bought for €7.2 million.
Additionally, Argentine striker Lautaro Díaz, purchased from Independiente Del Valle for $3 million, joined the squad, bringing extensive experience in South American competitions and a proven track record with the Ecuadorian club.
Fernando Seabra maintained the standard 4–3–3 setup but introduced three of the new signings straight into the starting lineup for the clash at La Bombonera. Cássio took over as the first-choice goalkeeper while Walace was tasked with anchoring the midfield as the holding midfielder, enhancing the team’s build-up play. Up front, Lautaro Díaz, a quick striker suited for transitional play, was the chosen option to lead the attack.
With their revamped lineup, Cruzeiro stood toe-to-toe with a strong Boca Juniors side on their home turf.
The Brazilian team managed to match Boca in passing exchanges and physical duels, in a clash that was both intensely physical and, at times, borderline unsporting.
The difference came down to firepower. While Cruzeiro managed to reach finishing zones, they lacked quality in both creativity and execution.
Boca, on the other hand, capitalized on the experience of their lethal striker, Cavani, who scored the decisive goal to secure a narrow advantage for the Xeneizes ahead of the return leg.
Packed Mineirão, Penalties, and Qualification
The Mineirão was alive with the energy of a South American classic — a clash that transcended the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Cruzeiro versus Boca Juniors. Boca versus Cruzeiro. The Celeste stronghold was electric, a sea of blue brimming with hope and fierce rivalry.
Even before the match took shape, destiny had already planned its surprises.
However, less than a minute into the game, Boca’s Peruvian full-back Advíncula was sent off for a reckless tackle. With a man advantage, Cruzeiro’s hopes of qualification skyrocketed.
Just nine minutes into the first half, the crowd erupted as Matheus Henrique opened the scoring.
The Mineirão was electric. Twelve minutes later, Walace doubled the lead, erasing Boca’s advantage from the first leg but, as with Cruzeiro’s entire campaign, the road wasn’t without its scares. Despite being a man down, Boca didn’t give up, and Milton Giménez struck a goal that gradually brought balance back to the match.
The tension was palpable. With the aggregate score tied, the match went to penalties, and there, from the spot, history took its course. One by one, the penalties were converted. Three to three. Four to four. When Cruzeiro scored their fifth, all eyes turned to Boca.
Miguel Merentiel, burdened with the responsibility of the final kick, felt the weight of the moment. In an instant that would be forever etched in Cruzeiro’s history, he sent the ball soaring over the crossbar. At that moment, Cruzeiro advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana.
It was more than just qualification — it was the reaffirmation of a team reborn amidst challenges, driven by the passion of its fans and an unwavering desire to conquer.
A night that will forever be etched in history as another heroic and immortal chapter in Cruzeiro’s storied journey.
Victory over Libertad and the end of an era
The 2–0 victory over Libertad in Asunción felt like another solid step toward Cruzeiro’s dream of lifting the Copa Sudamericana. Kaio Jorge and Lautaro Díaz shone on the pitch, securing an important advantage for the second leg. Matheus Henrique also played a pivotal role in Cruzeiro’s strong performance, leading in progressive passes and creating two major goal-scoring opportunities.
The celebration of Cruzeiro’s return to good football and an excellent result also marked the end of an era. A string of poor results in the Brasileirão had made the situation untenable, prompting the board to act decisively.
Fernando Seabra, who had guided the team through crucial moments of the season, was replaced by a new name. Cruzeiro, determined to make a definitive turnaround, brought in Fernando Diniz — the current Libertadores champion with Fluminense, who was available on the market.
The board acted swiftly to secure Diniz before another club could, welcoming to Toca da Raposa a coach with experience and a vision perfectly aligned with the style of football Cruzeiro fans have always cherished: possession-based and attacking.
Diniz debuts while Cássio shines
The Mineirão hosted another night of high-stakes emotion: a new coach’s debut in a decisive phase of the competition, coupled with the anticipation of securing a spot in the semi-finals of an international tournament, left fans on edge.
Diniz chose to retain Seabra’s starting lineup, adding a tactical tweak to draw the opponent forward by inviting pressure in the build-up phase. The plan relied on short passes, quick combinations, and triangulations to exploit spaces.
Cruzeiro took control early, and within minutes, Kaio Jorge opened the scoring, giving the impression that qualification was within reach. But destiny, ever unpredictable, had other plans. Lucas Romero was sent off early in the second half, forcing the Celeste to battle with ten men against a reinvigorated Paraguayan side.
Libertad, buoyed by the legendary presence of Roque Santa Cruz, leveled the score, raising the tension in the stadium. Each Paraguayan attack tested the nerves of the crowd, but it was Cássio, Cruzeiro’s guardian, who stood tall. With four crucial saves, he delivered a miraculous performance, denying Libertad the winning goal and securing Cruzeiro’s place in the semi-finals.
All or nothing in Argentina
The Copa Sudamericana semi-final against Lanús presented a new challenge for Cruzeiro: for the first time, they would play the decisive second leg away from home. It was crucial to build a strong result at Mineirão to carry confidence into the return match in Argentina.
Yet, the team bore the weight of an unwelcome record — under Fernando Diniz, they had yet to taste victory in four matches across all competitions.
The Mineirão was packed, with fans hoping to witness Cruzeiro’s resurgence. For a brief moment, the dream seemed within reach. Kaio Jorge, the talisman of Cruzeiro’s attack, opened the scoring, igniting the stadium.
But the euphoria soon turned to unease. Lanús, with a determined approach and a clear focus on the final, gradually took control, neutralizing Cruzeiro’s plays. Each Argentine advance added tension to the night, and their equalizer felt inevitable.
The match ended 1–1, a result favoring Lanús, who would now decide the tie on their home turf. It was all or nothing, and Cruzeiro’s mission became even tougher.
With a spot in the final at stake, the team faced the daunting task of battling in hostile territory, compounded by the challenge of fully grasping the tactical nuances of Diniz’s style mid-season.
His system — centered on compact player clusters, close-knit play, quick combinations, short passes, and off-ball movements — seemed like too much information to execute effectively in such a decisive knockout stage.
Cruzeiro reaches Copa Sudamericana final
Cruzeiro entered the second leg against Lanús with one certainty: it was all or nothing. Still winless under Fernando Diniz, the team carried the weight of doubt but also the determination of a squad that knew they were one step away from an international final.
The players rallied around a single goal, knowing the next 90 minutes would define their season. Focused, disciplined, and strategically sharp, they balanced their play against Lanús with heart and intelligence.
And then, in first-half stoppage time, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Verón, after receiving a pass from Matheus Pereira during a fierce run, found space in the middle and struck powerfully.
The goalkeeper saved, but the ball spilled into the box. That’s when he stepped up once again: Kaio Jorge, in the right place at the right time, smashed the ball into the net, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament — all in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
In the second half, Cruzeiro showed resilience, weathering the mounting pressure from Lanús. Every second felt like an eternity, and the clock seemed to crawl for anyone wearing blue. As Lanús intensified their attacks, it was Cássio, the towering figure in Cruzeiro’s goal, who stole the spotlight.
With miraculous saves, he preserved the lead and was even blessed by fortune — a heart-stopping strike off the post in the dying moments of the game.
At the final whistle, Cruzeiro not only claimed their first victory under Diniz but won the match that mattered most, securing their place in the Copa Sudamericana final. On November 23, in Asunción, Paraguay, the Raposa will have the chance to fight for the title and reaffirm their greatness on the continental stage.
On the path to glory
Cruzeiro arrives in Asunción, answering a call from its own history. This is a club that endured its first relegation in 2019 and the painful journey of rebuilding. Now, it stands on the brink of something extraordinary.
Pages of resilience have been written through the tireless dedication of those who wear the star-studded jersey. In every knockout stage, fans faced moments of doubt, those fleeting seconds when it felt like the team might falter. But Cruzeiro pressed on, growing stronger with every step.
This resurgence brought new faces, with Ronaldo serving as a beacon of hope. Now, under new leadership from Pedro Lourenço, the promise of restoring the club to continental prominence shines brighter.
Matheus Pereira is the team’s standout star — a player of magic and flair, capable of deciding a match with a single touch.
Yet, this club’s journey has been driven by multiple protagonists: goalkeeper Cássio; William, the recently called-up Brazilian national team full-back; the grit and passion of Argentine captain Lucas Romero; the relentless intensity of Matheus Henrique; the rejuvenated brilliance of Kaio Jorge; and the tactical mastery of Fernando Diniz, the magician on the sideline who stands firm in his convictions and has already proven what he can achieve.
This Saturday promises to be something special: two historic clubs, two storied shirts. May you savor this clash, and may this piece from The Copa Club convey even a fraction of the grandeur of this five-star club.
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