Botafogo v Zeiro: early-season marker as hosts' momentum meets visitors' H2H edge | OneFootball

Botafogo host Zeiro in the Brasileirão on 30 January 2026 at Nilton Santos, opening the campaign with points and early positioning at stake after a recent head to head tilt towards the visitors.

Botafogo and Cruzeiro resume league action with recent history leaning towards the visitors. Cruzeiro won their last two visits here, 3-0 in 2024 and 2-0 in 2025, and the most recent meeting ended 2-2 in December.

Glorioso arrive with three wins from their last five matches, while Zeiro's last five read two wins and three defeats.

Fogão are without Joaquín Correa, Kaio Fernando Da Silva Pantaleao and Chris Ramos. Raposa miss Lucas Villalba, Luis Sinisterra, Matheus Henrique, goalkeeper Matheus Cunha and Marquinhos.

With several forwards sidelined, attacking duty could fall to Arthur Cabral or Matheus Martins for Fogão, while Zeiro may look to Matheus Pereira or Kaio Jorge. Efficiency in both boxes could decide a tight opener.

A win would take Glorioso to three points and could move them into the early qualification mix. Raposa would likewise reach three points and may climb towards the top places. Next up, Glorioso visit Grêmio, while Zeiro are set to host Coritiba.