Recap: Cruzeiro’s Reinforcement Rescues Série A Club from Relegation – Supersports Edition

Announced this Tuesday (14th) as Cruzeiro’s new reinforcement for the season sequence, Richard Coelho already had a decisive participation while playing for another Serie A club of the Brazilian Championship.

In 2018, the 29-year-old defensive midfielder saved Fluminense from the risk of falling to the Second Division in the last round of the national tournament. He was responsible for scoring the only goal in the 1-0 victory over América, at Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro. The Minas Gerais team ended up relegated (18th place, with 40 points).

Richard’s goal was scored in the 41st minute of the first half. Marlon, who is also at Cruzeiro today, took a corner kick to the midfielder’s head, who sent the ball into the angle of goalkeeper João Ricardo. The American archer could do nothing in the throw.

With the result, Tricolor das Laranjeiras reached 45 points and jumped from 14th to 12th, in addition to qualifying for the following year’s Copa Sudamericana.

To remain in the First Division, the team from Rio needed a positive result in the direct confrontation with Coelho or hope for stumbles by Vasco and Chapecoense, who occupied the 15th and 16th place in the 37th round, respectively. Cruz-Maltino drew 0-0 with Ceará, while Chape defeated São Paulo 1-0.

Richard on the Cruise

After Vozão’s relegation to Série B do Brasileiro, he openly said that he would not remain at the club. He has since been sidelined and trains on his own to stay in shape. His last match was on November 9 last year.

In 2022, Richard entered the field in 44 opportunities for the Ceará team and served his teammates with three assists. He started all of those games.

At Cruzeiro, Richard will find great competition in midfield. The midfielders Ian Luccas, Neto Moura, Ramiro, Wallisson, Filipe Machado and Matheus Jussa are available to coach Paulo Pezzolano. Fernando Henrique is also part of the celestial group, but he is in the medical department.