Cruzeiro loses its first game and the lead.

Minas 247 - Cruzeiro failed to replicate their recent performance against Vasco da Gama in Rio. Late Saturday afternoon, the Minas Gerais team lost their first match in the Brazilian Championship against São Paulo, the team that has been their nemesis in recent tournaments – Cruzeiro hasn't beaten the São Paulo team in the Brasileirão for seven years.

The 3-2 scoreline ultimately reflected the football played by both teams, as São Paulo was always ahead – scoring the first goal, conceding an equalizer, scoring a second, then another equalizer, and sealing the victory with a third goal. Furthermore, Cruzeiro suffered from a weak performance by their star player, the Argentinian Montillo, who failed to convert most of his attempts. São Paulo, on the other hand, had a standout player in their star, playmaker Lucas: with his speed, the young Brazilian national team player (only 19 years old) orchestrated most of São Paulo's counter-attacks. The São Paulo team also missed a penalty taken by Luis Fabiano, which was well saved by goalkeeper Fábio.

Cruzeiro also faced a new São Paulo, much more determined on the field. It was Tricolor's first game after the dismissal of coach Emerson Leão. Milton Cruz acted as the team's interim coach.

With this result, the Minas Gerais team, which was the undefeated leader of the championship, fell to second place, maintaining its 14 points - losing the lead to Fluminense, which beat Náutico in Recife. Cruzeiro could lose more positions with the remainder of the round, as it could be overtaken by Vasco da Gama (facing Ponte Preta) and rival Atlético Mineiro (against Grêmio, in Porto Alegre).

Meanwhile, São Paulo moved up to 6th position with 12 points, just 3 behind provisional leader Fluminense.