Matchday 17 of the Brasileirao Serie A was packed with goals, emotions and surprises. Corinthians showed signs of revival under their new coach, while ‘Fogão’ solidified their lead at the top of the table.

Cruzeiro vs RB Bragantino

The excitement began with Cruzeiro’s home win against Bragantino, propelling them into the Copa Sudamericana spots. Gabriel Veron opened the scoring early, assisted by William Furtado. Though Veron appeared to double the lead in the 22nd minute, his goal was disallowed for offside.

In the second half, Veron again found the net in the 54th minute, only for it to be ruled offside. After a fiercely contested match, Matheus Pereira secured Cruzeiro’s 2-0 victory with a stunning goal, later voted the best of Matchday 17. In stoppage time, Bragantino’s Thiago Borbas managed a consolation goal, ending the match 2-1.

Bahia vs Cuiaba

Simultaneously, Bahia faced Cuiabá in a clash of contrasting fortunes. While Rogério Ceni’s Bahia aimed for the top of the standings, Cuiabá fought to avoid relegation. Despite this disparity, Cuiabá triumphed 2-1 away, with Paraguayan Isidro Pitta netting a brace. Jean Lucas equalized for Bahia, and a heroic effort by Gilberto was disallowed by VAR in the 95th minute.

Juventude vs Atlético Mineiro

Three days later, Juventude and Atlético Mineiro, both mid-table teams, played to a 1-1 draw at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. Jean Carlos scored for Juventude, and Junior Alonso equalized for Atlético Mineiro.

Corinthians vs Criciúma

Corinthians debuted their new coach, Argentine Ramón Díaz, with a home match against Criciúma. Claudinho’s goal for the visitors at the end of the first half increased the pressure on Corinthians. However, Díaz’s motivational skills turned the game around in just seven minutes after the break. Ángel Romero and Caca scored, securing a crucial 2-1 victory, celebrated wildly by players and fans at the Neo Química Arena.

Atlético Goianiense vs Vasco de Gama

On Wednesday afternoon, Atlético Goianiense and Vasco da Gama squared off. Despite differing standings, both teams were evenly matched. David’s 51st-minute goal secured a 1-0 win for Vasco da Gama. Pablo Vegetti missed a first-half penalty, which could have extended Vasco’s lead.

Gremio lose again and Fortaleza move up the table

Gremio’s visit to Morumbí Stadium to face Sao Paulo ended in disappointment. Lucas Moura’s early goal, assisted by Allison, sealed a 1-0 victory for the home side. Gremio, fighting to avoid relegation, struggled against a top-tier Sao Paulo team. Igor Vinicius saw red for Sao Paulo, but the score remained unchanged.

Wednesday night saw Fortaleza defeating Vitória 3-1 at home. Breno Lopes, Tomas Pochettino, and Tinga scored for Fortaleza, while Ze Hugo netted a late consolation for Vitória. This win moved Fortaleza closer to the Copa Libertadores spots, while Vitória lingered near the relegation zone.

Leaders face off

The highlight of Matchday 17 was the clash between league leaders Botafogo and Palmeiras. Both teams entered the match with 33 points and the fewest goals conceded. Tiquinho Soares scored the match’s only goal in the 56th minute after a brilliant play by Luiz Henrique.

Palmeiras nearly equalized, but John Victor’s outstanding save, later voted the best of Matchday 17, preserved Botafogo’s lead. With this victory, Botafogo emerged as the sole leader of the Brasileirao, dreaming of their third league title.

League Standings

The Playbook is powered by data from Genius Sports. We will focus on Brasileirao Serie A, Serie B and Serie C throughout the season.