On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Cruzeiro's ambitions in the Copa Sudamericana came to a premature end as they drew 1-1 against Mushuc Runa at the Estádio Olímpico de Riobamba in Ecuador. This match marked a disappointing chapter for the Brazilian club, which managed to secure only one point from four matches in the tournament, one of their worst performances in the history of Conmebol competitions.
The scoring opened in the second half when Carlos Orejuela capitalized on a defensive error by Cruzeiro to give Mushuc Runa the lead in the 54th minute. However, the Brazilian side responded swiftly, with Lautaro Díaz netting the equalizer just seven minutes later, taking advantage of a rebound to score a stunning goal.
Despite the draw, Cruzeiro's fate in the tournament was sealed; they were eliminated with two group matches still to play. With only one point to show from their efforts, they find themselves at the bottom of Group E, while Mushuc Runa leads the group with ten points, followed by Palestino with nine points, and Unión Santa Fe with six.
In the first half, the match was largely uneventful, with Cruzeiro dominating possession at 65% but failing to create any clear scoring opportunities. The Ecuadorian side, on the other hand, focused on crossing the ball into the area but was unable to test Cruzeiro's goalkeeper, Cássio.
As the second half unfolded, Mushuc Runa's aggressive play paid off. Orejuela's goal came from a well-executed counter-attack, exploiting a lapse in Cruzeiro's defense. This goal seemed to awaken the Brazilian team, leading to a more spirited performance.
After Díaz's equalizer, Cruzeiro pressed for a winner, creating several chances, but they could not convert their opportunities into goals. The substitutions made by head coach Leonardo Jardim, who changed nine players from the previous match, seemed to inject some life into the team, but it was not enough to secure a victory.
Looking ahead, Cruzeiro faces a challenging fixture against Sport on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in the eighth round of the Brasileirão, where they will be looking to rebound from this disappointing exit from continental competition. Meanwhile, Mushuc Runa will take on Manta in the Ecuadorian Championship on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The elimination from the Copa Sudamericana is a significant blow for Cruzeiro, who reached the finals of the tournament last year. The team must quickly regroup and focus on their domestic league, where they need to improve their performance to avoid further setbacks.
As the dust settles on this match, both teams will reflect on their paths forward. Mushuc Runa celebrates its qualification for the next phase of the Copa Sudamericana, while Cruzeiro must confront the reality of their situation and strive for better results in the coming weeks.
