Cruzeiro match Flamengo’s poor run at the start of 2026 | OneFootball

Considered as two of the main forces in Brazilian football alongside Palmeiras, Cruzeiro and Flamengo are experiencing a challenging start in 2026. Both teams have already accumulated four defeats this season and are leading, negatively, the ranking of losses among Serie A clubs, according to a survey by R10 Score.

Cruzeiro suffered the fourth defeat in a convincing manner. In a performance marked by defensive errors and little reaction, the team from Minas Gerais was thrashed this Thursday by 4-0 by Botafogo, at the Nilton Santos stadium, in the opening of the Brazilian Championship. Both Flamengo and Cruzeiro are struggling to adapt to the change in the calendar.

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Both teams started the season using alternative lineups in state championships, a strategy adopted to preserve starters and extend the physical preparation period for the main players.

Coach Tite acknowledged that the decision might have been costly at this start. “In reflection, the biggest mistake I see might have been preserving the team to regain rhythm. We could have played more matches (with the starters), even at the risk of injury,” stated the Cruzeiro coach.

In search of a comeback, Cruzeiro faces Betim on Sunday, in the Minas Gerais Championship. Meanwhile, Flamengo, defeated by São Paulo in the opening of the Brasileirão, faces Corinthians on the same day, competing for the Supercup title.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.