CRB secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic in the Brazilian Serie B during Regular Season round 23 on Thursday evening. Dada Belmonte gave the visitors the lead before half-time, and Mikael sealed the result after the break. The hosts had controlled possession but could not convert their chances into goals.
The opening goal arrived in the 33rd minute when Dada Belmonte found the net for CRB. Athletic pressed forward after that, but the visitors held their shape well. By then, the visitors were already building momentum for what would come next.
And here's the thing — the second goal came early in the second half. Mikael scored in the 56th minute to put CRB firmly in control. Athletic threw bodies forward but found no answer to the visitors' defensive organisation. The game was effectively decided at that point.
The statistics tell a story of wasted opportunity from the hosts. Athletic registered eight shots off target and only two on target, while their expected goals stood at just 0.87. CRB were more efficient, with six shots on target and an xG of 2.18. To be fair, both sides shared possession equally at 50 per cent each.
The result moves CRB further clear in fifth place with 42 points from 26 games. Athletic remain in 11th with 37 points, and the gap between them widens. This victory extends CRB's recent run of clean sheets, while Athletic's unbeaten streak from five matches came to an end here.