Cruzeiro 1-1 Fluminense: Serie A 2026-27 match report

The final day of the 2026-27 Serie A campaign saw Cruzeiro and Fluminense play out a hard-fought 1–1 draw at the venue in Belo Horizonte. In a match defined by tactical adjustments and a second-half resurgence from the hosts, both sides ultimately settled for a share of the spoils in a contest that tested the discipline of both squads.

The opening and the breakthrough

The first half was characterized by a cautious approach from both managers as they looked to establish control in the midfield. Cruzeiro’s Lucas Romero set the tone for the physicality of the match early on, picking up a yellow card in the 35th minute as he attempted to stifle the Fluminense build-up. Despite Cruzeiro’s efforts to maintain defensive integrity, the visitors found the breakthrough shortly before the interval.

In the 43rd minute, Jemmes provided the creative spark, delivering a precise ball that allowed John Kennedy to find the back of the net. The goal silenced the home crowd and forced Cruzeiro head coach to rethink his strategy during the halftime break.

Tactical shifts and the equalizer

Both sides emerged from the tunnel with immediate changes, signaling a desire to alter the tempo. Cruzeiro introduced Matheus Henrique, while Fluminense brought on Guilherme Arana for Renê. However, it was a flurry of substitutions just before the hour mark that truly shifted the momentum. Cruzeiro’s manager opted for a triple substitution in the 56th and 57th minutes, introducing Fágner, K. Arroyo, and N. Villareal. The influx of fresh legs provided the necessary energy to press Fluminense higher up the pitch.

Fluminense attempted to manage the game through their own series of changes, bringing on Y. Soteldo, J. Savarino, and F. Bernal as the second half progressed. Yet, the tactical adjustment from the hosts proved more effective in the final third. In the 75th minute, Matheus Pereira capitalized on the increased pressure, firing home the equalizer to level the score.

The closing stages of the match saw the intensity boil over, as the referee was forced to reach for his cards frequently. J. Millán and Samuel Xavier were cautioned for Fluminense, while Fabrício Bruno received a yellow card for Cruzeiro in the 87th minute. Despite a final substitution from Cruzeiro—bringing on Christian for Francisco da Costa—neither side could manufacture a late winner, leaving the match to conclude at 1–1.

For both clubs, this result serves as a final point of reflection on the 2026-27 season. While neither side could secure the victory to close their campaign on a high note, the draw highlights the competitive parity within the league and provides a baseline of performance as both teams look toward the upcoming transfer window to bolster their squads for the next term.