On 16 January 2026, Cruzeiro’s under‑20 side secured a 1‑0 victory over Santos at Estádio Professor Luiz Augusto de Oliveira in São Carlos, advancing to the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (Copinha) quarter‑finals. The win came from a second‑half corner, with Matheus Vaz heading the decisive goal, while Cruzeiro’s disciplined defense held off a late Santos surge.
Match Overview
The round‑of‑sixteen clash featured intense pressure from both academies. Cruzeiro entered with a compact 4‑2‑3‑1 formation focused on quick transitions, whereas Santos deployed a fluid 4‑3‑3 aimed at exploiting the flanks. Santos dominated possession early, but failed to create clear scoring chances against a well‑organized Cruzeiro back line.
Tactical Battle
Cruzeiro’s coach Rafael Silva emphasized high pressing and rapid counter‑attacks, forcing Santos to concede space in midfield. Midfielder Lucas Almeida repeatedly stretched the play with wide deliveries, testing Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Silveira. In response, Santos switched to a more aggressive 3‑4‑3 in the 75th minute, yet Cruzeiro’s veteran centre‑back João Pedro anchored the defense with timely interceptions.
Decisive Goal
The breakthrough arrived in the 68th minute when captain Thiago Ferraz delivered a corner to the near‑post. Forward Matheus Vaz rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net, securing the only goal of the match and sealing Cruzeiro’s quarter‑final berth.
Key Performances
- Matheus Vaz – Scored the winning goal and contributed the assist that led to the corner, earning a 4‑4‑2 rating.
- João Pedro – Managed three goal‑line clearances and organized the defensive shape throughout the game.
- Rafael Costa (Santos) – Completed 85 % of passes and covered the most ground, despite the team’s defeat.
Tournament Context
The Copinha remains Brazil’s premier junior competition, serving as a benchmark for club academies. Cruzeiro’s recent investment in scouting and modern training facilities has revitalized its youth program, marking the team’s first quarter‑final appearance since 2022. Santos, a former 2020 champion, faces scrutiny over its talent pipeline after an early exit.
Future Implications
Cruzeiro now prepares for a quarter‑final against the winner of the São Paulo vs. Palmeiras tie, a match that could propel them into the final four. A continued strong showing may fast‑track players like Matheus Vaz to the senior squad, which is currently battling for a top‑four finish in Série A. Santos will look to reinforce its under‑20 roster ahead of the next season to restore its historic dominance.
