Jardim Finalizes Flamengo’s Lineup for Decisive Cruzeiro Match

By:Luzia AiresLineups21/08/2026at 10:24

Leonardo Jardim is set to finalize Flamengo’s starting lineup for the decisive clash against Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Serie A, following an intense training session at Ninho do Urubu.

Flamengo is gearing up for an important rematch with Cruzeiro this Saturday (22) in a match counting for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship. Expectations are high for the clash, which will take place at Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, and coach Leonardo Jardim has a crucial task this Friday (21).

At the Ninho do Urubu training center, the *Rubro-Negro* coach will determine the initial formation that will take the field. This morning’s training session is crucial for selecting the eleven players who will seek three points against the *Mineira* squad in a duel that promises intensity.

Training Session Determines Starting Eleven

The *Rubro-Negro* squad has a training session scheduled for 11 AM (Brasília time) this Friday (21) at CT Ninho do Urubu. During this session, Leonardo Jardim will make the final adjustments and announce the team that will start the match against Cruzeiro. The final decision is eagerly awaited by Flamengo fans.

Provisional Lineup Under Discussion

A probable formation has been speculated for Flamengo: Rossi in goal; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas in defense; Erick Pulgar, Lucas Paquetá, and Jorge Carrascal in midfield; and Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino, and Pedro in attack. However, this formation may still undergo significant changes after the training session.

Important Absences Confirmed

Flamengo will face Cruzeiro with at least three confirmed absences. Full-back Alex Sandro continues treatment for calf pain, while defender Vitão remains out with a muscle injury. In addition, De La Cruz is also recovering from a left thigh muscle injury and will not be available to coach Leonardo Jardim.

Trip to Belo Horizonte

After the training session and team selection, the Flamengo delegation will depart for Belo Horizonte this Friday afternoon (21). The flight is scheduled for 4 PM (Brasília time). The M360 Team, as usual, will accompany the *Rubro-Negro* boarding at the airport.

Recalling the Libertadores Duel

This Brazilian Serie A clash follows a recent and thrilling encounter between Flamengo and Cruzeiro in the Copa Libertadores. In the return leg at Maracanã, the teams drew 1-1 in the first leg, leaving everything open. In a packed stadium, the *Mais Querido* (Dearest) opened the scoring after a beautiful play between Pedro and Arrascaeta.

Comeback at Maracanã

In the 35th minute of the first half of the Libertadores match, Arrascaeta advanced and passed to Pedro, who returned it without controlling for the Uruguayan to finish. Cruzeiro equalized in the second half with Lucas Romero, but Flamengo reacted in the 20th minute with Samuel Lino, following another assist from Pedro, sealing a 2-1 victory.

Match Details for the Brazilian Serie A Clash

The rematch between Flamengo and Cruzeiro for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship will take place this Saturday (22) at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) at Mineirão. It will be the second consecutive time the teams face each other in a short period, now with full focus on competing for points in the national league.

Broadcast and Coverage

The match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will be streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime. For fans looking to follow all the plays and details, the M360 Team will offer full coverage through its website, social media channels, and YouTube channel.

Therefore, Leonardo Jardim’s decision on the starting lineup is a crucial moment in Flamengo’s preparation. With the Brazilian Serie A entering a decisive phase and the standings tight, every point earned is fundamental for the club’s ambitions in the competition.

The result against Cruzeiro not only impacts the standings but can also influence the team’s morale for upcoming challenges. Expectations are for a strong Flamengo, determined to overcome absences and secure a victory away from home.

M360 Team