Fluminense enters the field this Sunday to face Cruzeiro. The match takes place at 4pm at the Mineirão stadium, in Belo Horizonte, valid for the 33rd round of the Brazilian Championship. The tricolor team seeks to get closer to the G-4 and dreams of a place in next year’s Libertadores.
Cruzeiro is experiencing a moment of stability in the competition. The Minas Gerais team has seven unbeaten games and has already guaranteed its presence in the Libertadores group stage following recent results. The direct confrontation promises balance between two teams with different objectives in the table.
- TV Globo broadcasts to the Federal District, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul and Sergipe.
- Premiere shows throughout Brazil.
- Ge.globo and Globoplay platforms offer real-time monitoring with exclusive videos.
Paulo Henrique Ganso does not participate in the match. The midfielder has suffered an injury and has remained sidelined for weeks. His absence impacts Fluminense’s midfield, which depends on creativity to overcome Cruzeiro’s defense.
Cruzeiro likely line-up
Leonardo Jardim adjusts the midfield to compensate for suspension. Lucas Silva takes the hook for the third yellow card and gives way to Eduardo. Arroyo maintains position despite recent internal training.
Team must enter with Cássio in goal. Defense formed by William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba and Kaiki. Half with Lucas Romero, Eduardo and Matheus Pereira. Attack led by Christian, Arroyo and Kaio Jorge.
- Options on the bench: Bolasie returns after knee discomfort.
- Hangings include Arroyo, Christian and Matheus Pereira.
- Injured: Janderson, Matheus Henrique and Marquinhos.
Probable lineup for Fluminense
Luis Zubeldía promotes a forced change in steering. Suspended Martinelli opens vacancy for Bernal or Nonato. Bernal emerges as the favorite for a more defensive match.
Fábio defends the goal. Defensive line with Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes and Renê. Midfield features Bernal or Nonato, Hércules and Lucho Acosta. Attack formed by Serna, Canobbio and Everaldo.
- Confirmed absences: Cano and Manoel due to injury.
- Hanging: Renê, Lima and Thiago Santos.
- Nonato returns from recovery and gains recent minutes.
- Ponts won by Cruzeiro in the last seven games: 13.
- Goals scored by Fluminense since Zubeldía’s arrival: 18 in 12 matches.
- Cruzeiro’s average ball possession at home: 58%.
Gose’s career in numbers
Ganso built a career marked by titles and precise assists. The player started professionally at Santos in 2008 and quickly attracted attention due to his keen vision of the game. With the São Paulo club, he won Libertadores in 2011 and Paulista the following year.
The midfielder has played more than 500 games in his career. He played for youth and senior teams, with emphasis on the 2010 World Cup as a reserve. Visits to São Paulo, Seville and Amiens in France enriched his international CV.
- Total goals: 48 at top clubs.
- Recorded assists: 112 so far.
- Relevant titles: Libertadores 2011, Recopa Sul-Americana 2012, Copa do Brasil 2015 with São Paulo.
- Games for the Brazilian team: 8 official call-ups.
In the current season for Fluminense, Ganso played 25 matches in the Brasileirão. He scored 2 goals and distributed 5 assists before the injury. His last full game took place a month ago, against rivals from Rio.
Current season performance
Fluminense starts the roundwith a solid campaign under the command of Luis Zubeldía. The team presents the second best performance since the arrival of the Argentine coach, behind only leader Palmeiras. A 1-0 victory over Mirassol in the previous round maintained the momentum.
Ganso contributed directly to seven of the team’s goals in the championship. His average number of successful passes exceeds 85% per game. The midfielder leads the ranking of accurate long throws in the tricolor squad.
Cruzeiro defends seven-round unbeaten streak. Victories over Fortaleza, Vitória and Grêmio intersperse draws against Flamengo, Sport, Atlético-MG and Palmeiras. The Minas Gerais team occupies a comfortable position in the table.
Where to watch live
Transmission spans multiple platforms. TV Globo reaches ten states with regional narration. Premiere guarantees national coverage via pay-per-view.
Digital monitoring takes place on ge.globo with minute-by-minute updates. Globoplay offers streaming to subscribers. Real-time includes exclusive bids and detailed statistics.
Mineirão receives an expected audience of over 40 thousand fans. Renovated stadium offers modern structure for big games. The climate in Belo Horizonte favors football with mild temperatures.
Recent history between teams
Cruzeiro has had the advantage in direct confrontations in the last five years. Minas Gerais’ 2-1 victory in the current round marks the last meeting. Fluminense seeks revenge in opponent territory.
Games at Mineirão are usuallyconsidered. Average goals exceed three per match in recent duels. Teams alternate dominance depending on the season.
- Last five games: three wins for Cruzeiro, one draw, one victory for Tricolor.
- Goals scored by Cruzeiro against Fluminense: 9.
- Goals conceded by Fluminense in Belo Horizonte: 7 in the last three visits.
Match refereeing
Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima commands the whistle. Pernambuco referee experienced in decisive rounds. Assistants Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz and Francisco Chaves Bezerra Júnior complete the field trio.
VAR is the responsibility of Wagner Reway. Technology helps with controversial moves. Fourth referee Luiz Augusto Silveira Tisne acts on the edge of the pitch.
Gaso numbers in Fluminense
Ganso arrived at the club in 2023 and quickly assumed prominence. He has played 78 games for the Rio tricolor to date. He scored 7 goals and provided 14 assists wearing the green, white and maroon shirt.
Last season, he participated in 32 rounds of the Brasileirão. Contributed with 4 goals and 8 assists. Average number of switches per game reaches 2.1.
- Minutes on the field in the current season: approximately 1,850.
- Yellow cards: 4 in the Brasileirão.
- Participation in goals: 7 director even injury.
Team preparation
Cruzeiro trained during the week focusing on dead balls. Leonardo Jardim emphasized defensive compactness. Group shows rapport after positive sequence.
Fluminense carried out tactical activities in Laranjeiras. Zubeldía tested variations in midfield. Nonato’s recovery expands options for rotation.
The climate in the locker rooms reflects confidence. Cruzeiro celebrates early classification for Libertadores. Fluminense remains hopeful of reaching G-4.
Expectations for the confrontation
Match balances opposing forces on the table. Cruzeiro plays without excessive pressure. Fluminense needs a positive result to shorten the distance.
Crowded Mineirão creates a favorable atmosphere for the home team. Cruzeiro fans turn out en masse to support their invincibility. Tricolor has the support of cariocas living in Minas.
Game defines direction in the final stretch of the championship. Vitória Minas Gerais consolidates its position. Visiting triumph reignites fight for continental spot.
