Cruzeiro hosts Fluminense this Sunday, at 4pm, at Mineirão, for the 33rd round of the Brazilian Championship. The match takes on a special shape due to the absence of German Cano, Tricolor’s top scorer in Rio.
The team from Minas Gerais has already secured a place in the Libertadores after São Paulo’s stumble. Leonardo Jardim leads Raposa in a good phase, with an unbeaten run of seven games in the competition.
- Victory over Grêmio in Porto Alegre;
- Draws against Flamengo, Sport, Atlético-MG and Palmeiras;
- Triumphs before Fortaleza and Vitória.
Fluminense arrives 1-0 up against Mirassol and dreams of G-4.
Likely lineups with absences
Leonardo Jardim adjusts Cruzeiro’s midfield due to the suspension of Lucas Silva, who received the third yellow card. Eduardo should inherit the place in the starting team.
Arroyo recovered from regenerative training and remains with the team. Bolasie returns to the bench after knee problem.
Probable Cruzeiro team: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Eduardo and Matheus Pereira; Christian, Arroyo and Kaio Jorge.
At Fluminense, Martinelli is suspended for his third card. Zubeldía chooses between Bernal and Nonato for the containment sector.
Cano, Ganso and Manoel are injured, limiting offensive options. Everaldo gains space in attack.
Probable Fluminense team: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê; Bernal (or Nonato), Hércules and Lucho Acosta; Serna, Canobbio and Everaldo.
- Hanging on Cruzeiro: Arroyo, Christian, Gabigol, Leonardo Jardim, Matheus Henrique, Matheus Pereira, Walace, Wanderson and William;
- Out at Cruzeiro: Lucas Silva (suspended), Fagner (transition), Janderson, Matheus Henrique, Marquinhos and Wanderson (injured);
- Hanging in Fluminense: Renê, Zubeldía, Lima, Santi Moreno, Ignácio, Thiago Santos, Fábio and Ganso;
- Away at Fluminense: Cano, Ganso and Manoel (injuries), Martinelli (suspended).
German Cano’s career numbers
German Cano has accumulated significant marks over 15 years of professional football. The 36-year-old Argentine started at Lanús, in Argentina, and played for clubs like Pachuca and León, in Mexico, before shining in Brazil.
In the current season of the Brasileirão, Cano registered 12 goals in 25 matches, with an average of 0.48 per game. He leads the Rio de Janeiro attack, contributing four assists. Injured, the center forward is out of the duel against Cruzeiro, forcing changes in Luis Zubeldía’s formation.
In total, Cano scored 312 goals in 612 official games. At Fluminense since 2023, he has scored 62 times in 104 appearances, including victories such as the 2023 Libertadores.
His playing style stands out for his precise finishing and positioning in the area. In 2023, he was top scorer in the Brasileirão with 22 goals.
Where to watch Cruzeiro x Fluminense live
Transmission takes place on an open network and pay-per-view for broad national coverage. Fans follow all the bids on multiple platforms.
TV Globo shows in the states of DF, ES, MG, PA, PB, PI, RJ, RN, RS and SE. Premiere covers all of Brazil.
Digital platforms complement: ge.globo and Globoplay offer real-time monitoring with videos. The streaming service requires a subscription for full access.
Experienced narrators and commentators lead the broadcasts, ensuring detailed analysis throughout the 90 minutes.
Officiating and center whistle details
Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima, from Pernambuco, referees the clash at Mineirão. The referee experienced in Serie A games manages triage with precise assistants.
Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz works as assistant 1, from Brasília. Francisco Chaves Bezerra Júnior is at linesman 2, also from Pernambuco.
VAR is the responsibility of Wagner Reway, from Santa Catarina. Luiz Augusto Silveira Tisne is the fourth referee.
Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima records an average of 4.2 cards per game this season. His conduct prioritizes fluidity, with few recent controversies.
- Referee: Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE);
- Assistant 1: Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz (DF);
- Assistant 2: Francisco Chaves Bezerra Júnior (PE);
- VAR: Wagner Reway (SC);
- Fourth referee: Luiz Augusto Silveira Tisne (SC).
Cruzeiro’s moment towards the Libertadores
Raposa consolidates solid campaign with guaranteed qualification to the Libertadores. Recent victory over Grêmio reinforces confidence in the Jardim group.
Seven-game unbeaten streak demonstrates defensive balance and efficiency in counterattacks. Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge lead offensive creations.
Cássio holds the goal with decisive saves, while Fabrício Bruno organizes the defense. Minas Gerais team aims for consolidation in the G-6.
Hanging players increase tension, but Jardim successfully manages rotations.
Fluminense under new command seeks G-4
Luis Zubeldía has transformed Tricolor since his arrival. Second best campaignthe post-technical reform, second only to Palmeiras.
Slim victory over Mirassol signals consistency. Without Cano, the attack depends on Serna and Canobbio for infiltrations.
Thiago Silva, at 40 years old, remains a defensive pillar, with experienced leadership. Fábio, a historical idol, defends the goal with confidence.
Zubeldía tests tactical variations, prioritizing solidity in midfield with Hércules and Acosta.
- Cano’s goals in 2025: 12 in the Brasileirão;
- Cruzeiro’s undefeated games: 7;
- States on Globo: DF, ES, MG, PA, PB, PI, RJ, RN, RS, SE;
- Fluminense absences: 4 players;
- VAR Referee: Wagner Reway.
Departure at Mineirão promises a balance between different ambitions. Cruzeiro protects invincibility; Fluminense accelerates for a continental spot. The public expects a full house to boost the hosts at 4pm.
