Athletico Paranaense v Cruzeiro: Sudamericana push meets relegation fight | OneFootball

Athletico Paranaense host Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at Estádio Mário Celso Petraglia in Curitiba, with the hosts in the Sudamericana places and the visitors 19th and still searching for a first league win.

Athletico Paranaense and Cruzeiro have shared recent meetings, though the last league game in Curitiba ended 3-0 to Athletico-PR in October 2024.

Athletico-PR's league picture is mixed: seven points from five games with six scored and six conceded, including a narrow defeat at Fluminense last time out. Cruzeiro have three points from six and are winless, though a 3-3 draw against Vasco da Gama showed they can still carry a threat.

Furacão are without defender Carlos Terán and forward Renan Viana, while playmaker Bruno Zapelli is suspended. For the visitors, Cássio and Lucas Romero are sidelined and Matheus Pereira is suspended, with attacking options further hit by injuries to Bruno Rodrigues, Luis Sinisterra, Kaio Jorge and Marquinhos, while João Marcelo is also out.

Athletico-PR may look to test a defence that has conceded 14 goals in six league games. Raposa's forward line is depleted, so goals may need to come from different routes, while the hosts could ask others to take on creative duties in Zapelli's absence.

Furacão could strengthen their hold on a Sudamericana berth with a home win. Cruzeiro, in the relegation places, need points to move towards safety.