São Paulo v Cruzeiro: top-four push meets survival fight | OneFootball

São Paulo host Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão on Saturday, 4 April 2026 in São Paulo, with the hosts defending a top-four place and the visitors trying to climb out of the relegation zone.

São Paulo and Cruzeiro drew 1-1 in April 2025, before Cruzeiro edged the reverse 1-0 in August 2025, underlining how little has separated the pair.

Tricolor Paulista have 17 points from nine and arrive off a 1-1 draw at Internacional, following defeats by Palmeiras and Atlético Mineiro after wins over RB Bragantino and Chapecoense. Raposa returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Vitória after draws with Santos and Vasco da Gama and losses to Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense.

The hosts are without Lucas Moura, Alan Javier Franco, Paulo Sérgio and Ryan Francisco through injury. The visitors miss Casio, Luis Sinisterra and Marquinhos.

São Paulo's season picture points to resilience: six conceded in nine overall and only two at home. Cruzeiro have struggled away, scoring three and conceding 10 on their travels. The hosts could look to control possession and wait for openings, while the visitors may prioritise a compact defence and counter-attacks.

Tricolor Paulista sit fourth on 17 points. A win would take them to 20 and further cement a Libertadores berth. Cruzeiro are 17th on seven points and victory would move them to 10 and could lift them out of the relegation places.