On May 7, 2025, Cruzeiro faced Mushuc Runa in a crucial Copa Sul-Americana match at the Estadio Olimpico de Riobamba in Ecuador. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, marking a disappointing conclusion for Cruzeiro, who has now been mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
The match saw Mushuc Runa take the lead early in the second half, with Carlos Orejuela scoring just eight minutes after the break. However, Cruzeiro responded quickly, equalizing through Lautaro Díaz in the 61st minute. Despite the draw, Cruzeiro's hopes of advancing were dashed, as they remain at the bottom of Group E with just one point from four matches.
This draw was particularly significant for Cruzeiro, as it was their first point in the competition after three consecutive losses. Coach Leonardo Jardim, who had hoped for a turnaround, now faces the reality that his team can no longer catch up to the second-placed Palestino, who has nine points. Meanwhile, Mushuc Runa solidified their position at the top of the group with ten points, continuing their strong performance in the tournament.
The first half of the match was relatively uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. Cruzeiro held more possession but failed to threaten the Mushuc Runa goal significantly. The closest they came was when Bolasie had a shot blocked by the defense.
The dynamics shifted dramatically after halftime. Orejuela capitalized on a defensive error from Kauã Prates, slotting the ball into the corner past Cruzeiro's goalkeeper Cássio. This goal seemed to energize both teams, as Mushuc Runa looked to extend their lead while Cruzeiro pushed for an equalizer.
Just moments after falling behind, Cruzeiro found their rhythm. Lautaro Díaz pounced on a rebound after Eduardo's initial shot was saved by Mushuc Runa's goalkeeper Formento. Díaz's goal brought the score to 1-1, igniting hope among the Brazilian fans present in the stadium.
As the match progressed, both teams had chances to claim victory. Mushuc Runa nearly regained the lead when Penilla unleashed a powerful shot that Cássio was forced to parry away. The game became increasingly frantic in the final minutes, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to convert.
With this draw, Mushuc Runa remains in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament. They are currently leading Group E and will be looking to secure a direct spot in the round of 16 in their upcoming matches against Unión de Santa Fe on May 13.
Cruzeiro, on the other hand, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Palestino in their next fixture on May 14. With their elimination confirmed, the focus will now shift to their domestic league performance, where they will also face Atlético-MG on May 18.
The referee for the match was Roberto Pérez from Peru, with assistants Michael Orué and Diego Jaimes also officiating. The match featured several yellow cards, including those for Dávila, Arce, and Penilla from Mushuc Runa, as well as Jonathan Jesus and Murilo Rhikman from Cruzeiro.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will have to navigate their respective paths. Mushuc Runa aims to solidify their top position, while Cruzeiro looks to salvage their season in the Brasileirão. The stakes are high, and with each match, the tension continues to build.
