Coritiba v Cruzeiro: Sudamericana rivals jostle for position | OneFootball

Coritiba and Cruzeiro meet in the Brasileirão on Friday, 31 July 2026 at Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira, with both sides level on 27 points and looking to firm up their Copa Sudamericana claims.

Coritiba edged the reverse fixture 2-1 at Cruzeiro in February, and the sides sit 10th and 11th respectively heading into this one.

Coxa arrive off a goalless draw at RB Bragantino after back to back defeats, having previously beaten Bahia and Santos. Cruzeiro were unbeaten in four league games before falling to Botafogo, a run that included victory at Internacional and draws with Fluminense and Palmeiras.

Coxa are without Fabinho and Lucas Taverna through injury, while Vini Paulista is suspended. Cruzeiro list Cássio and Gabriel Pec as injured, with Fagner serving a ban.

Raposa average 56% possession and 85.70% pass completion this season, and could look to dictate play through Kaio Jorge and Christian, who have five league goals each, with Matheus Pereira on four. Coxa-Branca tend to play with 40% possession and have delivered 179 open play crosses at 25.70% accuracy, a route that could service Breno Lopes, the team's top scorer with eight, and Joaquín Lavega on five.

A win would add three points and move the victors above their direct rival in the Sudamericana places. The game offers Cruzeiro and Coxa-Branca a chance to nudge up the table and keep continental ambitions on track.