Cruzeiro were on top throughout in their Group A clash, but struggled to find a breakthrough against a determined ABC side. The goal did come eventually, as Alisson‘s though-ball was flicked on for centre-back Wallace to score, having stayed up from a corner. The Rio Grande do Norte side did threaten an equaliser at times, but it was Cruzeiro who came closest to the second goal when Vinícius Araújo struck the post.
Also in Group A, Mirassol continued their impressive form of the past year (Under-17 side) with a 6-0 win over América Rio Preto, to top the group on goal difference. Renanzinho impressed for the Lions, with a goal and an assist, whilst Alex got his name on the scoresheet twice.
Earlier in the day in Group G, four-time Copa São Paulo winners Internacional kicked-off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Confiança. Inter as expected started the brighter and went close through Thiago midway through the first-period, but it was Confiança who went closest when Artur forced Jandrei into a fine diving save. The second-half though was all about the Colorado, as Rafinha came to the fore, setting up Thiago for the opener, before smashing in a long-range bullet for the second. However, Confiança would earn a deserved goal late on, as Artur’s tame header deflected in off Diego to make the score 2-1, as Inter went straight to the top of the group.
In the group’s other encounter, Santo André overcame Lemense 2-1, with goals from Fernando and Cláudio. Lemense earnt a late consolation from the head of Douglas, but were convincingly dispatched.
Star Performers: Rafinha (Internacional), Renanzinho (Mirassol)
