Former national team player also praised striker Gabigol, who started and stood out in the Celeste’s victory over Juventude
Former player Walter Casagrande Jr., in his column for UOL, revealed that Cruzeiro is the team he admires most “because they’re aggressive and constantly looking to score goals, even when the match is already decided.”
This Sunday (July 20), Raposa thrashed Juventude 4-0 at Mineirão Stadium, reaching 33 points, three more than Flamengo, which has a game in hand. “Increasingly leading the championship, Cruzeiro is playing great football with a very aggressive strategy, regardless of the opponent or the stadium they’re playing in. They apply pressure, push the opponent back, corner the midfield, forcing mistakes, and stealing possession even in attack,” wrote Casagrande.
The former Brazilian national team player also praised Cruzeiro coach Leonardo Jardim for his turnaround work at the club: “He’s a great coach, he has the team in his hands and a very strong squad.” Regarding the performance on the field, Casão highlighted: “There’s perfect synchronization between the sectors, making the team compact, especially when applying pressure on the ball, to prevent the opponent from counterattacking. Cruzeiro scored 4-0 with great skill and without risking conceding at any point in the match.”
Gabigol on a roll
Casagrande also praised striker Gabigol, who started and excelled in the rout of Juventude. “This afternoon, it wasn’t the championship’s top scorer, Kaio Jorge, who scored, but rather Gabriel Barbosa, who hadn’t started in a while. The Blue No. 9 scored two goals, participated in several offensive plays, and perfectly understands the current situation, both he and Kaio Jorge, who formed Cruzeiro’s attacking duo today.”
“He doesn’t create problems by starting, but he demonstrated his readiness to play when needed, and when he was substituted, he was applauded for his performance. Cruzeiro is leading because all the players are focused and committed to the project of winning the Brazilian title,” he added.
Tight race at the top of the table
Cruzeiro and Flamengo emerge as the main contenders for the title. The Minas Gerais team leads the competition with 33 points (10 wins, three draws, and two losses), closely followed by Flamengo, with 30 points (nine wins, three draws, and two losses) and a game in hand. Rounding out the top of the Série A table are Bragantino (27 points), Palmeiras (26), Botafogo (25), and Bahia (25).
Next Round
Cruzeiro and Flamengo face tough matches in the next round of the Brasileirão, both on Wednesday (July 23). Cruzeiro visits Corinthians in Itaquera at 7:30 pm, who arrive under pressure after losing a derby to São Paulo. Flamengo faces Bragantino in Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, at 9:30 pm.
