The 2022–23 Brazilian Men’s Volleyball Championship derby between the silver medalists Itambé Minas and titleholders Sada Cruzeiro Vôlei was highlighted by an out-of-control gesture by Cruzeiro’s outside hitter from Cuba, who attacked an opponent through the net and received a red card.
In the first game without their opposite Wallace Souza, suspended by the club and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) after posting a poll about shooting president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Cruzeiro was defeated on the road by Minas by three sets to one (partials of 25-23, 20-25, 18-25, and 16-25). The derby in Round 16 of the 2022-23 1XBET Superliga Masculina was notable for the expulsion of Miguel Ángel López, the Cuban outside hitter from Cruzeiro, who slapped the opposite Paulo Vinícios Silva, from Minas, in the fourth set after an argument on the net. The visiting player received yellow and red cards from the referee at the same time, disqualifying him from the game.
If they won the match, Cruzeiro would reach their 11th consecutive victory in the championship. Despite the defeat, coach Filipe Ferraz’s team remained isolated at the top of the Superliga table, with 40 points (13-3) and the best chances of triumphing in the regular season. With the positive result, Minas rose to third place with 31 points (10-6).
Minas were led on the court by the above-mentioned Paulo, as well as Henrique Honorato. Both scored 17 points. The latter served four aces. Maique Nascimento had 92% reception (13 digs, 85% excellent). The ejected López topped Cruzeiro with 14 points.
2022-23 1XBET Superliga Masculina, regular season, Round 16:
