Cruzeiro and Botafogo drew 2-2 at Mineirão in Belo Horizonte during the 37th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro on Thursday (December 4). The Raposa took a 2-0 lead, but the Glorioso fought back late with a penalty. The draw upholds Cruzeiro's nine-year unbeaten streak against Botafogo.
The match at Estádio Mineirão started with Botafogo creating the first clear chance at the fifth minute, as Arthur Cabral passed to Barrera, who hit the post and shot over on the rebound, with Cássio making saves. Cruzeiro responded and took the lead at the 14th minute: after a play down the left, Christian deflected a cross to make it 1-0. In the first half's end, Botafogo pressed, but Cássio defended well.
Early in the second half, Cruzeiro doubled the lead. Lucas Silva launched to Kaio Jorge, who crossed; Raul saved, but Matheus Pereira scored on the rebound for 2-0. At the 12th minute, Botafogo pulled one back: after Kaio Jorge lost the ball, David Ricardo crossed and Marçal headed in for 2-1.
In stoppage time, Marçal was fouled in the box; referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, called by VAR, awarded a penalty. Alex Telles converted to tie 2-2, beating Cássio. In the final minute, David Ricardo fouled Matheus Henrique and was sent off after VAR review.
The draw leaves Cruzeiro third with 70 points, three behind Palmeiras in second. Botafogo stays seventh with 60 points, tied with Bahia and safe from being overtaken. The result maintains Cruzeiro's nine-year unbeaten run against Botafogo: since September 2016, when they lost 2-0 at Mineirão (goals by Gustavo Canales and Camilo), there have been 15 matches with nine draws and six Cruzeiro wins.
Both teams return on Sunday (December 7): Cruzeiro visits Santos at Vila Belmiro at 4 p.m., and Botafogo hosts Fortaleza at Nilton Santos.