On Friday night, January 17, 2026, at São Carlos’ Estádio Luisão, Cruzeiro defeated Santos 3‑1 in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior round of 16. The victory secured Cruzeiro’s place in the quarter‑finals, reviving hopes of a second title after their 2024 triumph and highlighting emerging talent in Brazil’s premier youth tournament.
Match Summary
Cruzeiro started aggressively, pressing high and exploiting the speed of their wingers. Caio Viana opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a precise shot to the lower right corner. Santos equalised quickly when Lucas Ramos headed in a corner at the 19th minute.
Second‑Half Turnaround
Coach Gabriel Fonseca’s tactical substitutions at halftime introduced striker Vinícius “Vini” Silva and midfielder João Carlos. Their impact was immediate: Vini Silva netted the go‑ahead goal in the 53rd minute after a cross from Leonardo “Léo” Santos. Later, in the 71st minute, André Duarte extended the lead with a composed strike from outside the box, sealing a 3‑1 win.
Tournament Context
The Copinha 2026 features 32 clubs divided into eight groups. Cruzeiro topped Group 13 with four wins and one draw, scoring 13 goals while conceding only two. Santos finished second in Group 7, posting nine goals but allowing four. Both teams entered the round of 16 as favorites, with Cruzeiro eyeing a back‑to‑back championship.
Implications and Next Steps
The victory places Cruzeiro against the winner of the Grêmio vs. Red Bull Bragantino clash in the quarter‑finals. Their solid defence (one goal conceded so far) and efficient attack position them as strong contenders for the title.
Santos must address defensive transitions and improve finishing. Coach Rafael Cabral has indicated plans to reinforce the midfield and explore new tactical options before the tournament’s final stages.
Future Outlook for the Copinha
Cruzeiro’s morale is high as the competition moves toward its quarter‑finals next weekend, with the final slated for January 25. The 2026 edition reaffirms the Copinha’s role as a showcase for Brazil’s next generation of football stars, and Cruzeiro’s performance solidifies its status as a title favourite.
