Críuma held by Juvenude despite dominance
Juvenude took all three points from Críuma with a 2:0 win in the Brasileiro Série B, Regular Season - 27 on Tuesday. The visitors were already top of the table, level on 47 points with second-placed Críuma, and the result extends their unbeaten run to eight.
Críuma controlled the ball for 70% of the game but could not convert their possession into a goal. They registered 130 attacks and created no big chances, while their expected goals total of 1.10 was higher than what the scoreline suggested.
With Críuma chasing the game, the visitors made two changes at the half-hour mark — Fabio Lima came on for Mandaca — and kept their shape. Mandaca had already collected a yellow card in the first half, while Ronald and Luciano Castan also went into the book for the hosts.
Críuma had 481 successful passes and 117 into the final third, but only four shots on target. Juvenude were more direct, with 62 long passes and 18 successful, and their goalkeeper made four saves to keep a clean sheet.
The result leaves both sides on 47 points after 26 games each, but Juvenude's away victory puts them clear at the top of the table. Críuma's defence managed only 15 clearances compared to 54 from the visitors, and they will need to find a way to finish their chances if they are to stay in touch.
