Flamengo seeks the lead in the Brazilian Serie A against Cruzeiro at Mineirão.
Flamengo has a golden opportunity to climb to the top of the Brazilian Serie A this Saturday. In a match valid for the 24th round, the Rubro-Negro visits Cruzeiro at the Mineirão stadium at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) and could end the night as the league leaders. With 45 points, the Rio-based team is three points behind the current leader and plays before their direct rival.
This reunion between Flamengo and Cruzeiro comes just days after their decisive Libertadores clash. Last Wednesday, at the Maracanã, the Rubro-Negro secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the continental competition by defeating Raposa 2-1. Now, the mission is to repeat that strong performance to take home all three points and, perhaps, celebrate reaching the top of the Brazilian Serie A table.
Changes to the Rubro-Negro Lineup
A grueling schedule is forcing manager Leonardo Jardim to make adjustments to the lineup. Léo Pereira will be rested to avoid excessive fatigue, while Alex Sandro, Vitão, and De la Cruz continue their recovery from injuries. By decision of the coaching staff, Everton Cebolinha and Wallace Yan were not included in the travel squad to Belo Horizonte.
Historical Edge for Mengão
This Saturday’s duel marks another chapter in the rivalry between Flamengo and Cruzeiro, who have faced each other 106 times across various competitions. The Rubro-Negro holds the advantage in the overall record, with 41 wins to the Minas Gerais side’s 36, along with 29 draws. In the Brazilian Serie A, there have been 65 matches, with 26 victories for Flamengo, 24 for Cruzeiro, and 15 draws.
In the modern era of the league, the scenario remains balanced but with a slight edge for Flamengo. In 41 matches, there have been 19 victories for the Rubro-Negro, 15 for the celeste team, and seven draws. The recent momentum is also a positive indicator for Mengão, who have won 12 of their last 20 matches against Cruzeiro.
We need to maintain the focus and intensity we showed in the Libertadores. The Brazilian Serie A is a long road, and every game is a final. If we win, we take an important step in the fight for the lead.
Match Officials
The match will be officiated by Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE). His assistants will be Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (SP) and Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira (CE). The fourth official will be Paulo Roberto Alves Junior (PR), with Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior (PE) in charge of VAR.
A competitive match is expected, with Flamengo looking to consolidate their form and Cruzeiro eager to assert themselves at home. A victory could mean the long-awaited sole lead of the Brazilian Serie A, further boosting the squad’s confidence for the upcoming rounds. The Rio-based team is showing great ambition in their firm pursuit of the national title.
