Mineiro derby kicks off Copa do Brasil quarterfinals
The battle for the Copa do Brasil title intensifies this Tuesday (25), with the anticipated clash between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG. The first leg, marking the start of the tournament’s quarterfinals, promises to bring Minas Gerais to a standstill and will be played starting at 9 PM (Brasília time) at the iconic Estádio Mineirão. Football fans will have the chance to follow this electrifying derby on SporTV, a cable channel, and Premiere, a pay-per-view service. The decision on who advances to the next stage will be made in the return match, scheduled for the following Tuesday, the 1st, at the modern Arena MRV.
Absences and lineups for the derby
Both teams arrive at the confrontation facing challenges with their lineups. Cruzeiro, under the command of Artur Jorge, will have to deal with the absences of key players such as Gabriel Pec and Sinisterra. The probable starting XI for the home team is: Otávio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, and Gabriel Rojas; Lucas Romero, Gerson, and Matheus Pereira; Arroyo, Wesley, and Kaio Jorge.
On the other hand, Atlético-MG, managed by Eduardo Domínguez, also faces significant setbacks due to medical issues. Léo Duarte, Lyanco, Igor Gomes, and Victor Hugo are out of the match. The expectation is that the visiting team will take the field with: Everson; Natanael, Ruan, Vitor Hugo, and Lodi; Alan Franco, Maycon, and Fred; Bernard, Cuello, and Cassierra.
Other Copa do Brasil quarterfinal matchups
The clash between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG is just one of the major games making up this decisive stage of the Copa do Brasil. The competition also features three other significant matchups: Grêmio facing its biggest rival, Internacional, in a Rio Grande do Sul derby; Santos testing its strength against the current champion, Palmeiras; and Vasco battling against Vitória.
Flamengo focuses on Brasileirão after elimination
While the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals stir the national scene, Flamengo is no longer part of this competition. The red-and-black team had its journey in the tournament ended in the fifth round after being defeated by Vitória on aggregate. The focus now shifts to the Brazilian Serie A, where Leonardo Jardim‘s squad has an important commitment next Sunday (30), at 4 PM, against Botafogo. The match will be widely covered by Globo, GE TV, and Premiere.
Equipe M360
