Corinthians vs Cruzeiro: A Battle for Supremacy in Brazilian Football: Corinthians and Cruzeiro are two of the biggest names in Brazilian football.
Both clubs have a rich history, a passionate fanbase, and a strong desire to win. Whenever these two teams meet, it’s always a clash of titans.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Corinthians vs Cruzeiro rivalry and analyze some of their most memorable encounters.
The Rivalry Between Corinthians and Cruzeiro
Corinthians and Cruzeiro have faced each other on numerous occasions over the years. The rivalry between these two clubs dates back to the 1970s when they first met in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Since then, they have played each other in various competitions, including the Copa Libertadores, the Copa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Mineiro.
One of the most memorable encounters between these two teams was in the final of the 1998 Copa do Brasil. Corinthians won the first leg 2-1, but Cruzeiro came back to win the second leg 2-0 and clinch the title.
The game was played in front of over 100,000 fans at the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, and it was a true spectacle of Brazilian football.
Another notable game between Corinthians and Cruzeiro took place in the 2018 Campeonato Brasileiro. Corinthians were fighting for the title, and Cruzeiro needed a win to avoid relegation.
The game was played at the Arena Corinthians, and it was a tense affair. Corinthians took the lead in the first half, but Cruzeiro equalized in the second half.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw, which was enough for the Corinthians to win the title.
The Players to Watch
Whenever Corinthians and Cruzeiro meet, there are always a few players who stand out. In recent years, Corinthians have had some talented players like Jadson, Jô, and Fagner, while Cruzeiro has had the likes of Thiago Neves, Fred, and Lucas Romero.
One player to watch in the upcoming games between these two teams is Corinthians’ striker, João Victor. The 21-year-old has been in fine form this season, scoring six goals in nine games.
He has already become a fan favorite, and he’ll be looking to add to his goal tally against Cruzeiro.
For Cruzeiro, the player to watch is their captain and goalkeeper, Fábio. The 40-year-old is a club legend and has been with the team since 2005.
He is one of the best goalkeepers in Brazilian football history and has won numerous titles with Cruzeiro. His experience and leadership will be crucial for Cruzeiro in their upcoming games against Corinthians.
The Future of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Corinthians and Cruzeiro is one of the most intense in Brazilian football. Both clubs have a strong desire to win, and their fans are incredibly passionate.
The future of the rivalry looks bright, with both teams aiming to challenge for titles in the coming years.
Corinthians and Cruzeiro are currently in different divisions of the Campeonato Brasileiro, but they could meet in the Copa do Brasil or the Copa Libertadores.
Whenever these two teams face each other, it’s always a spectacle of Brazilian football, and we can expect more of the same in the future.