Cruzeiro secured the Campeonato Mineiro title with a 1-0 victory over Atletico Mineiro in Belo Horizonte, ending a six-year wait to become champions of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The decisive goal came from Kaio Jorge, giving the side managed by former Brazil coach Tite their first triumph in the competition since 2019.
Cruzeiro secured the Campeonato Mineiro title with a 1-0 victory over Atletico Mineiro in Belo Horizonte, ending a six-year wait to become champions of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The decisive goal came from Kaio Jorge, giving the side managed by former Brazil coach Tite their first triumph in the competition since 2019.
The match, however, was overshadowed by scenes of disorder in the closing moments. A large confrontation erupted involving players from both teams, forcing security personnel and military police to step in to restore order.
The chaos ultimately resulted in a remarkable disciplinary outcome, with 23 players shown red cards after the game following a review of the incident.
The confrontation began when Atletico Mineiro goalkeeper Everson pushed Cruzeiro midfielder Christian to the turf and placed his knee on the player’s chest after the two had collided while chasing a loose ball.
Christian’s teammates reacted immediately, confronting the goalkeeper and forcing him into the goalpost during the exchange. The situation quickly escalated as more players joined the dispute.
Security staff entered the pitch in an attempt to separate the teams while the situation intensified around the penalty area.
Referee Matheus Delgado Candancan did not show any red cards during the game itself, but the aftermath of the incident led to disciplinary action.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the official was unable to produce the cards at the time because of the scale of the confrontation. Following the match, a total of 23 players were dismissed.
Cruzeiro had 12 players sent off, including goalscorer Kaio Jorge. Atletico Mineiro saw 11 players expelled, among them former Brazil forward Hulk and ex-Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest defender Renan Lodi.
Hulk expressed disappointment about the events after the final whistle, acknowledging the negative example created by the scenes.
“It’s regrettable,” he said. “We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world. We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”
Despite contesting the state final, both clubs have struggled in the Brazilian Serie A campaign. After four matches of the season, Atletico Mineiro sit 17th while Cruzeiro are 19th in the standings.
The number of dismissals in the Campeonato Mineiro final was notable but did not surpass the record for red cards in a senior match.
That mark was set in February 2011 during a fifth-division Argentine game between Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas.
On that occasion, all 36 players involved in the match were sent off after what the referee described in his report as a “generalised brawl.”
