CRB beat America Mineiro 3:1 in the 26th round of Brazil's Serie B on Friday evening. The home side took all three points at their ground, moving further away from the relegation zone while pulling America deeper into trouble. To be fair, the result reflected a game where CRB controlled the tempo from the first whistle.
Crystopher gave the hosts the lead in the 18th minute, striking early to settle nerves. America responded with a substitution at half-time, bringing on Alex da Silva for a fresh approach. The visitors looked to stretch the back line after the break, but CRB's defence held firm and picked up two bookings in five minutes as the physicality increased.
Mikael doubled CRB's advantage in the 52nd minute, catching America on the counter. The visitors made changes at the 63rd minute with Guilherme Parede and Julio César Leme Do Nascimento both coming off, but the momentum had shifted. CRB felt the pressure when Kevin came on for Mikael in the 67th, yet they gave nothing away.
Kevin scored his second goal in the 69th minute, stretching America's patience to breaking point. Willian added a fourth in the 81st minute, ending a barren spell for the home attack. By then, the match had become a procession, with CRB managing the clock while America chased shadows.
The statistics tell a familiar story: CRB dominated with 52 per cent possession and created 2.36 expected goals compared to America's 1.26. The hosts registered 17 shots inside the penalty area but only scored three, meaning chances went begging. America managed fewer attacks but registered a higher shot accuracy at 43 per cent, though that efficiency meant little on the scoreboard.
The result moves CRB further clear in sixth place with 42 points from 26 games, while America Mineiro remain rooted to 19th on just 14 points. This was a match that decided more than three points — it sent a message about which side had the deeper squad and the stronger spirit. CRB can spring a surprise this season, but first they must maintain this level of consistency.