Flamengo will visit Cruzeiro at Mineirão this Saturday in a match for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship, aiming to secure sole leadership of the national competition.
Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (22) to face Cruzeiro, in a clash that marks the third encounter between the teams this August alone. The match, part of the 24th round of the Brazilian Serie A, will be played at Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, with kickoff set for 8:30 PM (Brasília time).
While the Rubro-Negro seeks three points to solidify their top spot in the standings, the Minas Gerais team aims to turn the page after their recent elimination by the Rio de Janeiro club.
Challenges and Lineups for the Match
Coach Leonardo Jardim will need to make adjustments to the Rubro-Negro squad. Defender Léo Pereira, due to muscle fatigue, did not travel to Minas Gerais, joining the unavailable list with Alex Sandro, Vitão, and De La Cruz, who remain under medical care.
Meanwhile, Cruzeiro, managed by Artur Jorge, is expected to rest key players. The Raposa’s focus is on their decisive Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG next Tuesday (25). In addition to tactical changes, the coach will be without defender Jonathan Jesus, who is suspended.
Referee Appointment Raises Concerns
The refereeing assignment announced by the CBF names Rodrigo Pereira Lima from Pernambuco to officiate. The choice has generated discussion among fans due to the referee’s recent track record in Flamengo matches.
The referee doesn’t bring good memories to Flamengo; in fact, in the last five games he officiated for the Rubro-Negro, four players from the Rio club were sent off.
Where to Watch the Match
For those wishing to follow the duel, it’s important to pay attention to the official channels. The match broadcast will be exclusive to the streaming service Prime Video, with no airing on open or cable TV channels.
As an alternative, Coluna do FlaTV on YouTube will provide complete coverage directly from Mineirão, with the reporting team bringing all updates before, during, and after the final whistle.
Match Details
- Venue:Mineirão Stadium, Belo Horizonte (MG)
- Competition:Brazilian Serie A, 24th round
- Date: August 22, 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM (Brasília time)
Flamengo enters the field with the expectation of maintaining the momentum from their Libertadores qualification. Victory is crucial for their Brazilian title aspirations, while Cruzeiro fights to regain morale at home, despite their focus being divided by a tight knockout schedule.
By M360 Team
