(photo: Photo montage by Gustavo Aleixo/Cruzeiro)
After many attempts with different pieces, coach Fernando Seabra finally seems to have found the ideal formation for Cruzeiro. The celestial team showed, in the last two matches of the season, great chemistry, especially in the offensive phase. Much of this good performance is directly related to the harmony of a trio that is standing out in the team.
Raposa’s offensive production grew exponentially in the 3-1 victory over Vitória, at Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte, in the fourth round of Series A of the Brazilian Championship. The result was only achieved thanks to an assertive move by Seabra at the beginning of the second half.
The coach dared to remove midfielder José Cifuentes from the team while the score was tied and promoted the entry of Álvaro Barreal. A native striker, the Argentine entered the left side of midfield and gave the team more creative options. So much so that the other two goals came from his feet.
Barreal’s first assist went to Rafa Silva. The left-winger received a pass from Marlon and crossed just the right amount for the number 8 to deflect towards the Bahian goal. Afterwards, Álvaro passed it to Arthur Gomes, who made a beautiful move at the edge of the area and crossed the ball into the left corner.
Cruzeiro’s formation fit together and produced results
Seabra’s boldness paid off. Barreal’s direct participation against Vitória put a doubt in the blue commander’s mind for the match against Alianza, in the fourth round of Group B of the Copa Sudamericana. Or rather, the striker’s performance gave the coach certainty.
Cruzeiro entered the field with something new: Barreal won Cifuentes’ place and made the opportunity count. He was one of the team’s best players in the first half of the 3-0 victory, at the Armando Maestre Pavajeau Stadium, in Valledupar, Colombia, with triangulations with two other team highlights.
Arthur Gomes was Raposa’s big name in the away triumph. The striker was incisive in his plays on the left side of the field – especially with the support of Marlon – and was rewarded with another goal this season. He scored the second celestial goal of the game.
The left winger took advantage of the rebound from the Colombian team’s defense after a great individual play by Rafa Silva and sent it into the back of the net. The number 11 reached fourth in the season.
Trio stands out under the command of Seabra
Although it counts on the genius of playmaker Matheus Pereira with the ball at his feet, Cruzeiro’s greatest weapon is now the left side. The third pillar of the outstanding trio is left-back Marlon.
After low games this season, Marlon returned to good performance in the last few matches. Against Alianza, he played a fundamental role in both defense and attack.
The defender made great triangulations with Barreal and Arthur Gomes, stepped into the area on several occasions and almost scored a goal. He also contributed two of the team’s 15 tackles in the game.
Escalation must be maintained
Satisfied with the team’s performance, Seabra should keep the same Cruzeiro team for the next duel of the season. The Celestials will return to the field this Sunday (12/5), at 4pm, to face Atlético-GO. The teams will face each other at Antônio Accioly, in Goiânia, for the sixth round of the Brasileirão.
