The championship final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro, held at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, escalated into a chaotic brawl that led to a record 23 expulsions on the field. The incident occurred just before the match concluded, with tensions running high between the players, culminating in fists and kicks exchanged for two minutes amidst a fractious atmosphere.

Previously, the match was marked by a goal from Cruzeiro's Kaio Jorge in the 60th minute, setting the stage for heightened aggression. The referee was overwhelmed by the size of the brawl and could not immediately impose the necessary sanctions on the players involved. This incident indicates a growing problem regarding player discipline and sportsmanship within Brazilian football, reflecting broader issues within the sport.

The 23 expulsions surpass the previous record set during a 1954 matchup between Portuguesa and Botafogo. This historical altercation not only changes the narrative around this classic rivalry but also puts a spotlight on the need for stricter regulations and management of player behavior in Brazilian football, as clubs and governing bodies may need to address this crisis to preserve the integrity of the game.