Cruzeiro v Coritiba: early-season lift on the line for relegation-zone rivals | OneFootball

Cruzeiro host Coritiba in the Brasileirão on Friday, 6 February 2026 at Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto, with both in the relegation places after opening defeats and chasing their first points.

Cruzeiro and Coritiba shared a tight head to head in 2023: a 0-0 in Belo Horizonte before Coritiba edged the return 1-0 later that year. Both now need a response after losing their league openers.

Raposa's campaign began with a 4-0 defeat at Botafogo, though their state fixtures have mixed a 5-0 win over Uberlândia with narrow setbacks. Coxa fell 1-0 at home to current leaders RB Bragantino but have posted away wins in the Paranaense, including at Athletico Paranaense and Cianorte.

Cruzeiro are without Francisco da Costa, Matheus Cunha, Marquinhos and Jonathan Jesus through injury. For Coxa-Branca, Josue is suspended and Rodrigues is sidelined.

After conceding four on matchday one, Raposa may prioritise defensive control, while Coxa's recent run of low-scoring games suggests margins could be fine. Set pieces and patience in midfield could decide where the first clear chance falls.

A win would put Cruzeiro on three points and could lift them out of the relegation places. Coxa sit 19th on zero points and victory would also help move them away from the drop zone. Next, Cruzeiro visit Mirassol, while Coxa travel to Chapecoense.