Analysis: Cruzeiro responds to distrust in Sul-Americana and paves the way for titular identity | cruise

Cruzeiro responded to the distrust that hovered over the team in Conmebol Sul-Americana. After three draws in the first games, two of which could be considered stumbles, the team gave an important response, 3-0 at Alianza, in Colombia, and improved the situation in the tournament.

To further improve the scenario, he saw his performance pave the way to create an identity as a starting team. With Zé Ivaldo and João Marcelo in defense, and Barreal in the middle, the team proved to be a more balanced and productive team for much of the game.

The defensive duo proved once again that they are the ones that should be used as a starting team, offering security and quality in a large part of the game in Valledupar. Both have technical quality and demonstrate safety.

In the middle, Barreal gained more points in the fight for a place. With Mateus Vital injured and Jose Cifuentes not having played well against Vitória, the Argentine once again showed quality with his left leg and offered many alternatives for that sector, along with Marlon and Arthur Gomes.

It was on the left that Cruzeiro created most of the best chances against Alianza. Furthermore, Barreal offered more dynamics, depth and technical quality to the midfield. He is also a piece to be used in set pieces.

In the middle, Lucas Silva was also an important player. It has been used with more offensive functions with Fernando Seabra. He has technical quality to add to the team.

In attack, the big question is who Seabra will choose when Juan Dinenno returns. The Argentine is in transition and, when he is ready, he will compete for a position with Rafa Silva, who has also shown quality in the offensive sector and gained the starting spot in the Argentine’s absence.

The performance in Colombia, despite the fragility of the opponent (who surprised at Mineirão with 3-3), guarantees a better scenario for Cruzeiro in Conmebol Sul-Americana. But still with a point of attention.

In the last two rounds, Cruzeiro plays in Belo Horizonte: La Calera-CHI (Independência) and Universidad Catolica-EQU (Mineirão). In fact, the next two opponents face each other, and Raposa needs to support the Ecuadorian team’s stumble, at home, against the Chileans. This way, you will be able to qualify again, depending only on your strength.

Cruzeiro, after one win and three draws, has six points. Universidad Catolica has seven, while La Calera has four. With the Ecuadorians stumbling, they will have a real chance of securing first place, winning victories at home. In the Sudamericana, the first placed team in the group goes to the round of 16, while the second placed team competes in a playoff with one of the third placed teams in the Libertadores group stage.