John blunders, Cruzeiro win and reclaim top spot in the Brasileirão

Cruzeiro has temporarily reclaimed the top spot in the Brasileirão, this Sunday (3).

The Foxes defeated Botafogo, away from home, by 2 x 0.

Goals by Matheus Pereira (22´) and Christian (40´)

The result shows a power of reaction for Leonardo Jardim's team, which had not won a game in three matches.

Now, the Minas Gerais team has 37 points, against Flamengo's 36, which still plays in the round.

Botafogo, on the other hand, loses the first game since the setback against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup.

What a morale, huh?

Despite the defeat, Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino received a beautiful tribute from the Botafogo fans before the ball rolled.

The image of the number 10 appeared on a big flag, 25 meters high by 35 wide.

The player's image is a reference to the Venezuelan's celebration after shaking the nets in the classic against Fluminense in April of this year.

AH, É SAVARINO! 🤩🇻🇪

O CAMISA 🔟 DO FOGÃO MERECE DEMAIS! SEGUIMOS JUNTOS CONSTRUINDO LINDAS E MEMORÁVEIS HISTÓRIAS, SAVA! 🔥👊🏽 #VAMOSBOTAFOGOpic.twitter.com/HfXoXQbt1c

— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) August 3, 2025

Signed by Fogo at the beginning of 2024, Savarino quickly became one of the key pieces in the club's recent achievements, which include Libertadores and Brasileirão titles.

What about you, John?

At 22 minutes, goalkeeper John ended up failing in replacement.

The ball ended up reaching Matheus Pereira who controlled, thought and opened for Kaiki Bruno, who would make the cross for Christian's goal.

John stretched, but could not prevent the goal.

Another mistake by the number 1, the second in the same play.

O CRUZEIRO SAIU NA FRENTE! 🦊 Christian aproveitou o cruzamento de Kaiki Bruno, depois da reposição errada do John, e mandou pras redes: 1x0 contra o Botafogo! #BrasileirãoBetano#Futebolbrasileiropic.twitter.com/5lcUBbj6qB

— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) August 3, 2025

It is worth mentioning that this Sunday's defeat may have been John's last game with the Botafogo shirt.

West Ham, from England, returned to the charge for the player and increased its proposal to hire the alvinegro goalkeeper, raising the offer to 10 million euros (about R$ 64.2 million), in addition to bonuses for goals achieved.

Follow the leader (for now)

With the result, the Cabuloso reached 37 points and passed Flamengo, with 36, at this moment.

Botafogo, which is in seventh position, stopped at 26 points.

The celestial team will return to the field, at home, against Santos, next Sunday (10).

The team of Davide Ancelotti, on the other hand, visits Fortaleza, also on the 10th.

DEU CRUZEIRO NO ENGENHÃO!

O @Cruzeiro bate o @Botafogo pelo placar de 0x2, bo Rio de Jeneiro!

📸: Buda Mendes pic.twitter.com/4DNLXTM26o

— Brasileirão Betano (@Brasileirao) August 3, 2025

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Buda Mendes - 2025 Getty Images