Cruzeiro 2017

Cruzeiro's 2017 team was commanded by Mano Menezes and won the Brazilian Cup that year by defeating Flamengo on penalties in the final. The title was the club's fifth in the competition and guaranteed a place in the 2018 Copa Libertadores.

History

Cruzeiro Esporte Clube was founded in 1921, in Belo Horizonte, under the name Società Sportiva Palestra Italia, and changed its name in 1942. Throughout the twentieth century, the club established itself as one of the greatest forces in Brazilian and South American football. In 2017, under the command of coach Mano Menezes, the Minas Gerais team built a solid campaign in the Brazilian Cup and reached the final against Flamengo. The decision was resolved on penalties, with Cruzeiro prevailing and becoming champion. Goalkeeper Fábio, midfielder Thiago Neves and Uruguayan Arrascaeta were among the standout names of that squad. Cruzeiro's 2017 Brazilian Cup title was the fifth for the club, following victories in 1993, 1996, 2000 and 2003, and was followed by back-to-back championships in 2018. Being Brazilian Cup champions, the club secured a place in the group stage of the 2018 Copa Libertadores.