Cruzeiro x Universidad Católica with confirmed lineup and highlights from Libertadores 2026
Cruzeiro has a confirmed lineup to face Universidad Católica this Wednesday, at 7pm, on Mineirão, in the second round of Grupo D of Conmebol Libertadores. Coach Artur Jorge defined the team with Matheus Cunha in goal. The defense has Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Universidad Católica0. In midfield there are Universidad Católica2, Universidad Católica3, Universidad Católica4 and Universidad Católica5. The attack has Universidad Católica6 and Universidad Católica7.
The formation repeats the base used in the victory over Red Bull Bragantino by Campeonato Brasileiro. The Minas Gerais team leads the group with three points after the victory in the debut against Guayaquil’s Barcelona. Universidad Católica arrives with zero points after the defeat by Boca Juniors and seeks reaction outside the house.
Confirmed lineup of Cruzeiro
The Portuguese coach maintained the structure that has been performing well at home. Matheus Cunha Continues as starter in goal. The defensive line has Fagner on the right, Fabrício Bruno and Jonathan Jesus in central defense, and Kaiki on the left. The midfield gains strength with Lucas Silva and Gerson in contention, while Christian and Matheus Pereira play more advanced. In attack, Fagner0 and Fagner1 form the duo.
The absences continue to weigh on the celestial cast. Goalkeeper Cássio remains out due to a multiligament knee injury. Striker Kaio Jorge has not completely recovered from problems with his pubis and abdomen. Luis Sinisterra and Marquinhos also remain in the medical department for muscle and knee injuries, respectively. Essas Absences force the technician to work with the available group.
- Matheus Cunha
- Fagner
- Fabricio Bruno
- Jonathan Jesus
- Kaiki
- Lucas Silva
- Gerson
- Christian
- Matheus Pereira
- Kenya Arroyo
- Neiser Villarreal
Escalation of Universidad Católica
The Chilean team should go to the field with Bernedo in goal. The defense has Juan Ignacio Díaz, Branco Ampuero, Jhojan Valencia and Eugenio Mena. In midfield there are Cristian Cuevas, Daniel González, Federico Zuqui and Clemente Montes. The attack has Juan Ignacio Díaz0 and Juan Ignacio Díaz1, the latter as captain and main offensive reference.
Coach Daniel Garnero opted for the base of the starting team despite the defeat in the debut. Universidad Católica is coming off a victory at Campeonato Chileno, which could bring confidence to the group. However, the team has absences in the defensive system and in the midfield, which requires adjustments in marking against the home team.
Embezzlement and bank options
Cruzeiro listed players like Lucas Romero, who is returning from muscle discomfort and could enter during the match. Outros Names on the bench include William, Kauã Prates, João Marcelo and strikers such as Wanderson and Bruno Rodrigues. The depth of the squad allows for variations in the second half if the result requires it.
Universidad Católica also has important absences, such as midfielder Agustín Farías and injured defenders. The Chilean coach has options on the bench to refresh the team, but prioritizes maintaining the initial structure to look for points in the Mineirão.
Match context no Grupo D
Cruzeiro is looking for a second victory to establish itself at the top of the group. Boca Juniors leads with six points after two rounds. The Barcelona of Guayaquil has zero points. A celestial triumph this Wednesday could open up an important advantage in the fight to qualify for the round of 16.
Universidad Católica needs to gain points to avoid being isolated in the flashlight. The Chilean team has a tradition at Libertadores and is usually competitive in away games, even against Brazilian teams. The focus is on defensive organization and exploring quick counterattacks.
Technical details of the clash
The game takes place on Estádio Mineirão, at Belo Horizonte. The referee is Carlos Andres Betancur, at Colômbia. The broadcast is available on streaming platforms for Brazilian and international audiences.
- Stadium: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (MG)
- Time: 7pm (Brasília time)
- Referee: Carlos Andres Betancur (Colombia)
- Competition: Conmebol Libertadores 2026, Grupo D, round 2
- Embezzlement Cruzeiro: Cássio, Kaio Jorge, Luis Sinisterra, Marquinhos
The duel pits two teams seeking to advance in the continental competition. Cruzeiro counts on the support of the fans to put pressure on them from the start, while Universidad Católica tries to recover after the setback on the first date.
