“Néiser Villarreal, on as a substitute since the 75th minute, converted from close range after being set up by Kaio Jorge to give Cruzeiro a deserved lead.”
Pivotal
Cruzeiro
Boca Juniors
Outstanding performance
Cruzeiro•MidfielderCruzeiro controlled this Copa Libertadores tie from the first whistle, finishing the night with 63% possession, 11 shots to Boca's none, and a dominance index that reflected a thoroughly one-sided contest. Yet for all their territorial superiority, the Brazilians had to wait until the 83rd minute for the breakthrough, Néiser Villarreal tapping home from close range after Kaio Jorge drew a save from Leandro Brey moments earlier. Boca Juniors made their own night far harder in first-half stoppage time when Adam Bareiro picked up a second yellow card for a foul, leaving the Argentine side to defend in their own half for virtually the entire second period. With zero shots registered all match, Boca offered nothing going forward, and their defensive discipline eventually cracked when the substitute Villarreal pounced. The result leaves Cruzeiro in strong shape in the Libertadores group stage while raising serious questions about Boca's attacking capabilities and tactical approach at the Mineirão.
How entertaining was this match?
Gerson from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul committed by Milton Delgado of Boca Juniors.
The fourth official has indicated there will be 6 minutes of added time.
Ayrton CostaYellow CardAyrton Costa from Boca Juniors receives a yellow card.
Ayrton Costa from Boca Juniors receives a yellow card.
Substitution for Cruzeiro: Matheus Henrique comes on for Kaio Jorge.
Lautaro BlancoYellow CardLautaro Blanco of Boca Juniors receives a yellow card for a foul.
Foul committed by Lautaro Blanco of Boca Juniors.
Kauã Moraes from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
assist: Kaio Jorge
Goal! Cruzeiro leads 1-0 against Boca Juniors. Néiser Villarreal scores for Cruzeiro with a right-footed shot from close range to the center of the goal, assisted by Kaio Jorge.
Cruzeiro is awarded a corner after Leandro Brey concedes.
Kaio Jorge's right-footed shot from the center of the box is saved by Leandro Brey in the center of the goal.
The match is delayed due to an injury to Leandro Paredes of Boca Juniors.
Kaio Jorge's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. The attempt was assisted by Kauã Moraes.
Marcelo Weigandt from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul committed by Kaiki of Cruzeiro.
Substitution for Cruzeiro: Néiser Villarreal comes on for Lucas Romero.
Substitution for Cruzeiro: Bruno Rodrigues comes on for Keny Arroyo.
Attempt missed. Keny Arroyo from Cruzeiro takes a left-footed shot from long range on the right.
Cruzeiro wins a corner after Nicolás Figal concedes.
Cruzeiro is awarded a corner after Nicolás Figal concedes it.
Foul committed by Leandro Paredes of Boca Juniors.
Gerson from Cruzeiro wins a free kick on the left wing.
Fabrício Bruno of Cruzeiro misses a header from the center of the box, sending the ball to the left. Matheus Pereira assisted with a cross after a corner.
Substitution for Boca Juniors: Exequiel Zeballos comes on for Miguel Merentiel.
Nicolás Figal comes on for Tomás Aranda at Boca Juniors.
Cruzeiro is awarded a corner after Lautaro Blanco concedes it.
Foul committed by Jonathan Jesus of Cruzeiro.
Foul by Tomás Aranda of Boca Juniors.
The match is delayed due to an injury to Lucas Romero from Cruzeiro.
Foul by Kauã Moraes of Cruzeiro.
Lautaro Blanco from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the defensive half.
The match is delayed due to an injury to Kauã Moraes from Cruzeiro.
Foul committed by Kaiki of Cruzeiro.
Marcelo Weigandt wins a free kick for Boca Juniors on the right wing.
Substitution for Cruzeiro: Kauã Moraes comes on for Fágner.
The second half begins with the match score at 0-0.
The first half ends with Cruzeiro and Boca Juniors tied at 0-0.
Adam Bareiro2nd YellowAdam Bareiro from Boca Juniors receives a second yellow card for a bad foul.
The first half ends with Cruzeiro and Boca Juniors tied 0-0.
Adam Bareiro2nd YellowAdam Bareiro of Boca Juniors receives a second yellow card for a bad foul.
Christian from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul committed by Adam Bareiro of Boca Juniors.
The fourth official has indicated there will be 2 minutes of added time.
Boca Juniors win a corner after Jonathan Jesus concedes.
Fágner commits a foul for Cruzeiro.
Milton Delgado from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Adam BareiroYellow CardAdam Bareiro from Boca Juniors receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
Gerson from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul committed by Adam Bareiro of Boca Juniors.
GersonYellow CardGerson from Cruzeiro receives a yellow card.
Keny Arroyo from Cruzeiro takes a left-footed shot from outside the box after a direct free kick, but it misses to the left.
Santiago Ascacíbar commits a handball for Boca Juniors.
Fabrício Bruno from Cruzeiro misses a header from the center of the box to the left. He was assisted by Matheus Pereira, who provided a cross after a corner.
Corner awarded to Cruzeiro after a concession by Santiago Ascacíbar.
Cruzeiro is awarded a corner after Lautaro Di Lollo concedes.
Adam Bareiro from Boca Juniors wins a free kick on the right wing.
Gerson from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
There is a delay in the match due to an injury to Tomás Aranda from Boca Juniors.
FagnerYellow CardFágner from Cruzeiro receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
Tomás Aranda from Boca Juniors wins a free kick on the left wing.
Fágner commits a foul for Cruzeiro.
Foul committed by Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro.
Lautaro Di Lollo from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the defensive half.
The match is delayed due to an injury to Leandro Brey of Boca Juniors.
Kaio Jorge Yellow CardKaio Jorge from Cruzeiro receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul committed by Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro.
Leandro Brey from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Christian from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul committed by Adam Bareiro of Boca Juniors.
Foul by Matheus Pereira of Cruzeiro.
Leandro Paredes from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Gerson from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Gerson from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Leandro Paredes from Boca Juniors wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul committed by Gerson of Cruzeiro.
Tomás Aranda from Boca Juniors wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul committed by Lucas Romero of Cruzeiro.
Foul committed by Santiago Ascacíbar of Boca Juniors.
Matheus Pereira from Cruzeiro is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
Leandro ParedesYellow CardLeandro Paredes from Boca Juniors receives a yellow card.
Foul committed by Milton Delgado of Boca Juniors.
Matheus Pereira from Cruzeiro wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Keny Arroyo from Cruzeiro misses a right-footed shot from outside the box, sending it to the left.
Matheus Pereira's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Cruzeiro host group leaders Boca Juniors in a crucial Copa Libertadores Group D clash at the iconic Mineirão, with the Brazilian side desperate for points after a recent stumble. Boca arrive riding a remarkable 14-game unbeaten run, but face a Cruzeiro side energized by home support and dangerous attacking momentum.
