Cruzeiro 0-0 São Caetano
There will be better quality games than this in the competition, but it was entertaining fare throughout as both sides sought to start the competition with a win.
Cruzeiro had started the side the better, but it was São Caetano who had the best chances of the first-half with both Denis and Francisco guilty of squandering good opportunities.
The match continued to flow from end-to-end at intense pace, but there was a lack of precision and composure in the final ball. For Brasileiro champions Cruzeiro, Pedro Paulo offered a threat from the left-flank, but the final ball was too often disappointing.
The second-half continued in the same fashion and both sides through men forward, but on a disappointing playing surface, the quality was never of a sufficient standard.
The match was noted for the second-half introduction of São Caetano substitute Lucas, son of former Corinthians idol Marcelinho Carioca.
Man of the Match: Angstron (São Caetano) – It was genuinely tough to pick a best player, given the lack of composure on show. However, São Caetano attacking midfielder Angstron stood out for his desire to get involved and contributed to his side in all areas of the pitch.
Cruzeiro XI: Charles; Hugo Sanches, Alex, Murilo, Antônio Carlos; Eurico, Bruno, Lynneeker, Daniel; Pedro Paulo, Rodrigo Dias.
São Caetano XI: Luan; Denis, William, Alan Oliveira, Alan Mendes; Nilton, Angstrom, Paulo Vinicius, Francisco; Igor, Romário.
Elsewhere in Group U: São Francisco-BA 3-1 São José-SP
