Cruzeiro MG 0:1 Botafogo FR RJ — Informe del Partido

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystINFORME DEL PARTIDO

Gabriel Justino rose highest to head Botafogo to a 1-0 victory over Cruzeiro in the Brasileiro Série A, the defender's first-half goal proving decisive as his side now prepare to host Grêmio in their next fixture. It was a result that flattered the visitors given the balance of play, with the home side left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal.

The match turned on a single moment just before half-time, when Alex Telles swung in a free-kick from the left and Gabriel Justino, unmarked at the far post, planted a firm header past the helpless Cruzeiro goalkeeper in the 41st minute. The first half had been a scrappy affair littered with yellow cards—Warleson and Victor Hugo Custódio de Melo Moura for Botafogo, then Fagner and Nahuel Ferraresi on either side before the break—but the goal gave the visitors a lead they would not relinquish, despite a second half of sustained home pressure.

Cruzeiro dominated the numbers with 61% possession, 15 shots to Botafogo's eight, 1.52 xG against 0.40, and nine corners to one, yet they could not find a way through—outplayed but won on efficiency. Gabriel Justino was the standout with a rating of 8.3 out of ten, his goal from defence decisive. CheckLive's model rated Botafogo marginally ahead, and the result confirmed that call, though a live signal backing Cruzeiro at odds of 4 lost as the visitors held on. Botafogo next face Grêmio on 29 July.

Preguntas y Respuestas

What was the final score of Cruzeiro vs Botafogo?

Cruzeiro 0-1 Botafogo (Brasileiro Série A).

Who scored?

Gabriel Justino (41', assist Alex Telles) for Botafogo.

Was Botafogo's win deserved?

Yes — Botafogo were on top for most of the match.

Were there any cards in Cruzeiro vs Botafogo?

Yellow cards: Warleson (Botafogo); Victor Hugo Custódio de Melo Moura (Botafogo); Fagner (Cruzeiro); Nahuel Ferraresi (Botafogo); Jonathan (Cruzeiro); Alex Telles (Botafogo); José Kadir (Botafogo).

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