Cruzeiro v Botafogo: top-half rivals eye Sudamericana lift | OneFootball

Cruzeiro host Botafogo in the Brasileirão on Sunday, 26 July 2026 at Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto, with eighth playing ninth and both looking to firm up Copa Sudamericana spots.

One point separates Cruzeiro and Botafogo in the table, and the visitors won the reverse fixture 4-0 in January. That adds an edge to a meeting between near neighbours in the standings.

Cruzeiro arrive with four wins from their past five across competitions, while the Glorioso have taken two wins and two draws in their last five. Momentum favours the hosts, but recent league results suggest a tight contest.

Cruzeiro are without suspended midfielders Matheus Pereira and Gerson, while Cassio, Gabriel Pec and Keny Arroyo are injured. For Botafogo, Allan, Kaio Fernando Da Silva Pantaleao and Júnior Santos are sidelined.

Raposa tend to control games, averaging 56% possession and 85.72% pass accuracy this league season, and may look to build patiently. The visitors carry more goals, with 33 scored and strong open-play crossing accuracy at 22.86%, which could serve Arthur Cabral and Danilo, both on seven league goals. Kaio Jorge and Christian, each on five, offer Cruzeiro's main threat.

A home win would take Cruzeiro to 30 points and could nudge them further up the top half. Victory for the Fogão would move them to 29 points, likely leapfrogging their hosts and reinforcing their Sudamericana push.