Vasco da Gama RJ beat Cruzeiro MG 3-1 in the Brasileirão - Série A, going in front before half-time, stretching the lead after the restart, and exchanging goals in the 90th minute at Estádio São Januário.

Match Summary

F. Mendes oversaw a first half that stayed tight for more than half an hour. Joao Marcelo was booked for Cruzeiro in the 24th minute and Adson followed for Vasco three minutes later. Tche Tche then had the home side in front after 33 minutes, and that was the difference at the interval.

Vasco were sharper after the break. Lucas Freitas finished in the 55th minute, Lucas Piton the provider, and Cruzeiro were two down with a long way back. The visitors held more of the ball without turning it into a comeback. In the 90th minute David, set up by Ramon Rique, made it three. Felipe Morais scored for Cruzeiro in the same minute, assisted by Matheus Pereira, but the reply came too late to change the result. Lucas Freitas was booked in the 90th minute and Cauan Barros followed in the 90+4th as Vasco closed it out.

Key Moments

The first swing was the breakthrough after a cautious opening. Until then the match had been about bookings more than chances, and the lead let Vasco play the second half on their terms against a side sitting well above them.

The goal ten minutes after the restart mattered more. A two-goal cushion meant Cruzeiro had to chase, and extra possession never became a genuine recovery. The 90th-minute exchange was the last twist. Vasco still had enough to add another, and the visitors' reply could not threaten a scoreline that was already settled.

Match Statistics

Cruzeiro had more of the ball, 54 percent to 46, but Vasco were far more dangerous. The home side produced 21 shots and 9 on target, Cruzeiro 9 and 5. Expected goals underlined that gap at 3.24 against 0.26. Vasco also won 11 corners to 3. Yellow cards finished 2-1 to the home side, and neither team saw a red.

What the Result Means

Vasco da Gama RJ sit 19th in Serie A on 22 points from 23 matches, with a goal difference of minus 14, and have two draws and three losses in their last five. Cruzeiro MG are 5th with 39 points from 24 matches and a goal difference of plus 1, with four wins and one loss in their last five. The sides remain 17 points apart.

See also

• Vasco da Gama RJ vs Cruzeiro MG live score
• AltBets live scores
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• Match recaps