Cruzeiro’s win over Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores continues to spark controversy off the pitch. Gerson, the Brazilian side’s midfielder, leveled harsh criticism at the Argentine team’s approach after the match: “They came to provoke and play dirty,” said the player, who was involved in the play that led to Adam Bareiro’s sending-off.

For Gerson, the key to the result was his team’s composure. “We were smarter, that’s why they ended up with one player less,” he said, celebrating a win that allows Raposa to move onto six points. The midfielder stressed that they were able to neutralize Boca’s chances both at full strength and after the red card shown to the Paraguayan forward.

The frustration was not limited to the players; coach Artur Jorge criticized the lack of fluidity in the game, while Boca captain Leandro Paredes accused referee Esteban Ostojich of wanting to be more of a protagonist than the players. The tension is set to carry over to May 19, when the two sides meet again in a clash that could prove decisive.

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