Cruzeiro vs Santos – News and Probable Lineups

Cruzeiro will be facing Santos in a Brasileirao match this Sunday at the Mineirao in Minas Gerais, with the hosts currently situated in the relegation zone while the visitors also seek to distance themselves from the bottom spots.

Both teams enter this match with pressure mounting, fully aware that another defeat could exacerbate their challenging situations in the league.

Match overview

Cruzeiro is still in search of their first win in the Brasileirao and is eager to secure their initial three points to escape the relegation zone. The Minas Gerais team has faced considerable difficulties both on and off the pitch, culminating in the recent departure of Tite, leaving them second from bottom with only three points from seven fixtures.

Cruzeiro comes into this clash in fragile condition, having drawn three and lost four of their seven league appearances, which leaves them 19th in the standings and among the few teams yet to record a victory. Their defensive issues continue to be a major concern, having conceded 18 goals—the worst record in the league—and scoring a mere eight.

Their struggles at home have intensified the pressure, evidenced by two draws and two defeats showcasing their inability to turn the Mineirao into a fortress, managing five goals while conceding six, highlighting both their attacking inconsistency and defensive frailties.

In light of this situation, the club made the decision to change managers, parting ways with Tite despite his recent success in securing the Minas Gerais state championship, as a poor start to the league proved crucial following a record of eight wins, three draws, and six losses in 17 matches under his guidance.

Cruzeiro quickly appointed Artur Jorge, a well-known figure in Brazilian football after he led Botafogo to a historic league triumph and their first Copa Libertadores title in 2024, although his confirmed arrival date in Brazil is still pending.

Amidst the uncertainty, Cruzeiro has found out their group for the Copa Libertadores, drawn into Group D alongside Boca Juniors (Argentina), Universidad Catolica (Chile), and Barcelona de Guayaquil (Ecuador).

Santos, on the other hand, approach this match hoping to avoid a repeat of their struggles from 2025 when they nearly faced relegation. They currently sit 16th in the league with six points, just one above Internacional, adding urgency to this crucial match.

The visitors come in with inconsistent form, having gone without a win in their last three league games, with their sole victory occurring against Vasco da Gama earlier in the season, followed by two draws and a defeat that have halted their progress.

This defeat, which occurred at home against Internacional, led to the dismissal of Juan Pablo Vojvoda just hours after the match ended, concluding his tenure that began in August 2025, during which he helped the team avoid relegation and recorded ten wins, 13 draws, and nine losses in 32 matches.

Santos acted quickly to reappoint Cuca for a third term, with the club counting on his experience to stabilize performances and boost results.

Off the field, Santos have also discovered their group for the Copa Sudamericana, where they will compete in Group D against San Lorenzo (Argentina), Deportivo Cuenca (Ecuador), and Deportivo Recoleta (Paraguay).

Team News

With Artur Jorge absent on the touchline, Cruzeiro will be guided by interim manager Wesley Carvalho, who faces several selection challenges, including uncertainties surrounding Kaio Jorge, who is still recovering from a right foot injury and has been training separately from the main squad.

On a positive note for the hosts, Gerson and Matheus Pereira are both vying for a return to the starting XI, while Lucas Romero and Bruno Rodrigues have resumed full training and may offer additional options following recent fitness concerns.

Cruzeiro remains without several key players, as Cassio is sidelined due to a knee injury, Sinisterra is grappling with a thigh issue, and Marquinhos continues his recuperation after surgery for a cruciate ligament injury.

Santos will also contend with injury problems, as Ze Rafael will miss the match due to a thigh issue, and Vinicius Lira faces a lengthy absence after suffering a severe knee injury that will necessitate surgery.

The visitors do have some good news in defense, as Luan Peres returns from suspension after his red card against Corinthians, although Gabriel Brazao, Joao Schmidt, and Rony are all one booking away from suspension going into this match.

Cruzeiro probable starting XI:

Wedge; William, Bruno, Villalba, Kaiki; Henrique, Silva, Gerson, Pereira, Arroyo; George

Santos probable starting XI:

coat of arms; Vinicius, Frias, Peres, Escobar; Arao, Oliva; Barreal, Ron, Neymar; Gabigol

Cruzeiro enters this fixture on a five-match winless streak, remaining entrenched in the relegation zone, although they will seek to capitalize on their home advantage at the Mineirão to initiate a turnaround, while Santos, also going through a transition under new manager Cuca, will look to exploit their opponent’s inconsistencies.

Both teams have been vulnerable defensively, with Santos conceding in every league match and Cruzeiro struggling at the back, which suggests this could be an open match with opportunities on both sides, although Santos might have a slight advantage in what is anticipated to be a hard-fought contest.