In a commanding display, Internacional triumphed over Cruzeiro with a decisive 3-0 victory in the second round of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, held at the Beira-Rio Stadium on April 6, 2025. This win not only showcased the team's offensive prowess but also propelled them to the top of the league standings.
The scoring opened at the 30-minute mark when Alan Patrick found the back of the net, setting the tone for the match. Just eight minutes later, Enner Valencia doubled the lead, showcasing his skill with a well-placed shot. The final blow came in the 31st minute of the second half when Borré scored, sealing the victory for the home side.
This match marked a significant moment for Internacional, who had been seeking their first win of the season after a series of draws, including a 1-1 stalemate against Flamengo and another draw against Bahia in their Libertadores debut. With this victory, the team not only broke their winless streak but also established themselves firmly at the top of the table.
"It was a great performance from the team today. We showed our strength and determination to win," said Alan Patrick after the match. "We’ve been working hard, and it’s nice to see our efforts pay off on the field."
On the other hand, Cruzeiro faced challenges going into this match. They were without Matheus Pereira, who was given leave to witness the birth of his son, Theo. Additionally, players Walace and Christian did not travel for technical reasons, leaving coach Leonardo Jardim with a depleted squad. Despite these setbacks, the team had hoped to build on their previous success after a 2-1 victory against Mirassol in their opening match of the league.
"We knew it would be a tough match, especially with some key players missing," Jardim acknowledged. "We have to regroup and focus on our next games. It’s important not to let this defeat affect our confidence."
The match was broadcasted exclusively by Premiere, Record, and CazéTV, reflecting the new regulations under the Lei do Mandante, which grants home teams exclusive rights to negotiate their game broadcasts. This rule has significantly altered the landscape of broadcasting in Brazilian football, allowing clubs more control over their image rights.
As the game progressed, Internacional demonstrated their dominance, with Enner Valencia's goal coming from a swift counter-attack that left the Cruzeiro defense scrambling. Borré's goal was a testament to the team's fluid attacking play, receiving a well-timed pass from Óscar Romero and finishing with precision.
Throughout the match, Internacional maintained pressure, with several close attempts that kept Cruzeiro's goalkeeper Cássio busy. The home crowd at Beira-Rio was electric, cheering on their team as they executed their game plan flawlessly.
With this victory, Internacional not only secured three crucial points but also sent a message to the rest of the league: they are a force to be reckoned with this season. The team has now gone 14 matches undefeated, a streak they aim to extend as they continue their campaign in both the league and the Libertadores.
Looking ahead, Internacional will need to maintain this momentum as they prepare for their next fixture, where they will face Atlético Nacional in the Libertadores. Coach Roger Machado may consider rotating his squad to manage player fatigue, especially after the recent string of matches.
As for Cruzeiro, they will need to bounce back quickly to stay competitive in the league. With their next match approaching, Jardim's squad will be eager to rectify their performance and ensure they secure a spot in the top tier of the Campeonato Brasileiro.
In conclusion, Internacional's commanding win against Cruzeiro not only highlights their potential this season but also sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead. Fans can expect more thrilling matches as the league progresses, with Internacional aiming to solidify their position at the top.
