Cruzeiro vs Flamengo

Cruzeiro host Flamengo in Serie A round 24 on Saturday 22 August 2026, just two days after the conclusion of their Copa Libertadores last-16 tie. The quick turnaround pits two of Brazil’s in-form sides against each other with little recovery time, forcing both Leonardo Jardim and Artur Jorge to weigh rotation against the need for domestic momentum.

Team news and injury latest

Flamengo remain without left-back Alex Sandro, who continues to nurse tendinitis in his right calf, meaning Ayrton Lucas keeps his place. Centre-back Vitão, winger Éverton Cebolinha and midfielder Nicolás de la Cruz are all ruled out with muscular injuries. There is better news regarding forward Bruno Henrique: he suffered ankle trauma from a heavy challenge by Matheus Henrique in the first leg but has trained with the group and could feature. If cleared, he will compete with Pedro for the central striker role. The expected XI sees Agustín Rossi in goal behind a back four of Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas, with Erick Pulgar and Jorginho as holding midfielders. Giorgian de Arrascaeta will operate as the No10, flanked by Gonzalo Plata and Samuel Lino.

Cruzeiro welcome back right-back Fagner and midfielder Lucas Romero after suspension, though midfielder Matheus Henrique is suspended himself. Winger Gabriel Pec and attacker Luis Sinistra remain sidelined through injury. Young Ecuadorian forward Keny Arroyo, who scored in the first leg, is set to continue in a front three alongside Wesley and Kaio Jorge. At the back, Fabrício Bruno partners Jonathan Jesus, with William or Fagner at right-back and Gabriel Rojas on the left. Gerson is expected to pair with Lucas Romero in midfield, behind the creative hub Matheus Pereira.

Recent form and head-to-head

Flamengo travel in strong touch, unbeaten in their last six across all competitions (WDDWDW), including a 1-5 demolition of Mirassol in their most recent Serie A outing. Cruzeiro are equally robust: their own six-match run reads WDWWDW, with a 1-2 victory at Corinthians on 16 August. The sides drew 1-1 in the Libertadores first leg just days ago, a result that extended a head-to-head sequence in which Flamengo have won three of the last five meetings, Cruzeiro one, with one draw. Earlier in the 2026 campaign, Flamengo beat Cruzeiro 2-0 at home in Serie A.

Key battle: Pereira vs Flamengo’s midfield pivot

Matheus Pereira remains Cruzeiro’s technical fulcrum and their leading scorer in the Libertadores with four goals. He will drift between the lines, aiming to unsettle the Flamengo double pivot of Pulgar and Jorginho. Jorginho, a summer arrival with abundant experience, will be tasked with cutting off the supply line to Pereira while also triggering transitions. How well Flamengo’s shield protects the back four could determine whether Cruzeiro can turn their tidy build-up into clear chances.

The short rest period will test the depth of both squads, but with Serie A points on the line, neither side can afford to coast. A win would keep the victor in touch with the league’s upper reaches before attentions turn back to the return leg of their continental tie.