Cruzeiro have qualified for the final stage of the Campeonato Mineiro after results fell their way in Sunday’s fixtures.
The title leaders crushed Villa Nova 4-2 on Saturday to stretch their lead at the top to four points, although rivals Atlético Mineiro have since closed the gap to one point.
But Atlético’s win over Tupi means that Cruzeiro cannot fall out of the top four with three games left to play.
Therefore they will be the first team to enter the final stages which compromises of a short knockout competition between the top four teams.
Atlético could join them with another win next weekend when they face Boa Esporte, and Villa Nova are the next best placed team to qualify in third place.
There is a fierce battle for fourth as Tombense face competition from América Mineiro and Tupi with just one point between the three teams.
