In a tightly contested friendly match on March 22, 2025, Red Bull Bragantino and Cruzeiro ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid in Bragança Paulista. This encounter was the last preparatory game for both teams ahead of their respective debuts in the Campeonato Brasileiro, which begins next week.
Red Bull Bragantino, nicknamed the Massa Bruta, opened the scoring with a penalty from Thiago Borbas just 13 minutes into the match, following a foul on Vinicinho inside the penalty area. Borbas coolly converted the spot-kick, putting the home team ahead. Three minutes later, Cruzeiro responded rapidly. The club’s popular forward, Gabriel Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol, leveled the match with a powerful shot after receiving a precise cross from Kaio Jorge, showcasing their attacking prowess.
This match faced particular scrutiny as it represented both teams’ final opportunity to fine-tune their lineups before entering the gauntlet of the national league. With Cruzeiro's debut match against Mirassol scheduled for March 29, the tactics and formations used on Saturday served a critical purpose in assessing player readiness and team cohesion.
Despite the draw, the result marked a disappointing continuation for Cruzeiro, having extended their winless streak to six matches, encompassing four draws and two losses. Conversely, this match meant that Red Bull Bragantino had also failed to secure a victory in their last four games, recording two draws and one loss.
The match witnessed several other notable moments, including Gabigol's near-miss when he struck the crossbar shortly after his equalizer, demonstrating his potential to be a key player for Cruzeiro this season. Cássio, the goalkeeper for Red Bull Bragantino, was forced into action multiple times, making critical saves against attempts from both Thiago Borbas and newcomer Fabinho, who was making his debut for the home side.
Head coach Léo Jardim of Cruzeiro had to contend with a few notable absences with Matheus Pereira not traveling with the squad due to the impending birth of his first child. In addition, several players including João Marcelo, Japa, Dinenno, and Bolasie remained on the sidelines due to injuries.
Looking forward, Cruzeiro's commitment to maintain a competitive squad was apparent in Jardim's pre-match comments, reflecting on the need to utilize depth to navigate the grueling schedule of the Brasileiro. “The league has many games, international fixtures, and we need a competitive squad. That’s what we are planning for,” Jardim stated, expressing optimism about his team's prospects in the upcoming season.
As for Red Bull Bragantino, they are set to face Ceará in their debut on March 31, at 20:00 at the same venue, aiming to change their recent fortunes. Despite the ongoing challenges, both clubs remain focused on their upcoming fixtures as the excitement surrounding the new season builds.
The match not only served as an insightful rehearsal for the players but also highlighted the stakes that each team faces as they approach the start of a new and demanding season. The thrill of competition and the hope for better results loom as both clubs prepare to write the next chapter in their storied histories.
