Vasco vs Cruzeiro – News and Probable Lineups

Vasco da Gama will go head-to-head with Cruzeiro this Sunday at Estadio Sao Januario as they compete in round 25 of the 2026 Brasileiro.

The home team has not secured a victory in their last eight league outings and holds the worst performance in the latter half of the season, while the visitors come into this match boasting four consecutive league wins.

Cruzeiro sits in fifth place with 39 points and remains in the race for a top-four finish. Conversely, Vasco is in 19th place with 22 points, three points from safety, making it essential for them to earn points to steer clear of further difficulties.

Match overview

Vasco is under pressure to translate their recent knockout success into a positive outcome in the league. Their 1-0 triumph against Vitoria, achieved even after going down to ten men in the first half, highlighted a more structured team that demonstrated the ability to defend compactly while posing a threat on counterattacks.

This is in stark contrast to their struggles in the league: Pedro Emanuel’s side has faced challenges converting opportunities, maintaining concentration at crucial times, and managing to protect leads or dominate matches after shifts in momentum; issues highlighted in heavy losses to Santos and Palmeiras.

At their home ground, recent form has also faltered. Vasco has registered just one point from their last four home league matches, managing to net only once, necessitating a more clinical approach in front of goal.

The best strategy for Vasco to regain balance is by fortifying their defensive area and executing quick breaks when they regain possession.

Against a potentially fatigued Cruzeiro team which might have to make defensive adjustments, Vasco must seize any chances to impose their intensity before the visitors raise their performance with substitutions.

Cruzeiro, on the other hand, has experienced an upward trend since Artur Jorge took charge. The squad has moved out of the bottom half, gained consistency, and is now recognized as one of the league’s most efficient teams, managing to secure vital victories despite a challenging fixture schedule.

Their away form reflects this development: Cruzeiro remains unbeaten in their last six league fixtures on the road, achieving five wins, which demonstrates their ability to clinch victories without dominating possession, making timely and impactful plays.

Nonetheless, concerns still linger over their defence. Cruzeiro has conceded in all of their last six matches across competitions and is missing key defenders, potentially providing Vasco with more chances than the standings might imply.

Additionally, squad rotation will be crucial, with both teams facing important Copa do Brasil matches shortly after. Expect both head coaches to implement changes, which may keep things evenly matched at the start but could ultimately favor Cruzeiro due to their superior squad depth.

Team News

For Vasco, Robert Renan has been suspended after receiving three yellow cards, creating an opportunity for Lucas Freitas to join Carlos Cuesta in central defence. Cuiabano’s situation will be reassessed due to swelling in his left thigh; if he is unable to play, Lucas Piton is expected to maintain his position at left-back.

Jair, Johan Rojas, Mateus Carvalho, and Brenner remain unavailable due to injuries. Cauan Barros is returning for league action, but Vasco is anticipated to choose a more defensive midfield setup, with Santiago Sosa and Thiago Mendes providing cover for the backline.

In the case of Cruzeiro, Fabricio Bruno is suspended, and Jonathan Jesus is doubtful to be involved following a dislocated shoulder. Joao Marcelo and Lucas Villalba will likely fill the central defensive slots.

Bruno Rodrigues, Luis Sinisterra, and Gabriel Pec are still sidelined. Artur Jorge may opt to rest some key players due to the imminent cup commitments, likely including Matheus Pereira, Lucas Romero, Keny Arroyo, and Kaio Jorge among the options from the bench.

Vasco da Gama probable starting XI:

Garden; Henrique, Cuesta, Freitas, Cuiabano; Sosa, Mendes, Tche Tche; Gomez, Spinelli, Colidio

Cruzeiro probable starting XI:

Octavio; Fagner, Marcelo, Villalba, Rojas; Gerson, Henrique; COSTA, PEREIRA, Kenji; Rodriguez

Vasco should aim to convert their sense of urgency into intensity, capitalizing on transitional moments and set pieces against a weakened Cruzeiro defence. However, their recent inefficiency in attack could limit their ability to maintain broader control throughout the full 90 minutes.

Cruzeiro comes in with a more established system and game-changing substitutes available, but fatigue and rotation may diminish their early advantage. Anticipate a balanced matchup, with Vasco likely to start off aggressively while Cruzeiro finds their rhythm as the match progresses.