With changes, check out Flamengo's lineup to face Cruzeiro

Flamengo received more good news this Wednesday (1st). After not losing any players to Carlo Ancelotti's Brazilian national team , the Rubro-Negro was also left out of Uruguay's list. According to journalist Sebas Giovanelli, Arrascaeta and Varela will not be called up for the friendlies against the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan . The only name from the Mais Querido on the list should be Matías Viña.

The decision is considered crucial for the club, as both teams are coming off a busy run of games . Arrascaeta was instrumental in the recovery after the last FIFA World Cup, scoring in a 2-0 win over Juventude in Caxias do Sul.

RECOGNIZED CAST

Coach Marcelo Bielsa publicly praised the work of Filipe Luís's coaching staff at Flamengo , highlighting the dedication to the players' physical preparation and recovery. Only Viña, who was already with the Uruguayan squad, remained in the final squad.

EXPECTATION ABOUT PLATA

After Ancelotti and Bielsa's announcements, Flamengo is still awaiting Ecuador's decision. Gonzalo Plata is also expected to be rested by Sebastián Beccacece for the friendlies against the United States and Mexico. The striker has been an important asset for Filipe Luís, but has shown signs of physical fatigue in recent matches.

FLAMENGO AGENDA

Before the break, Flamengo has two decisive games for the Brasileirão : this Thursday (2): against Cruzeiro, in a direct confrontation at Maracanã, and Sunday (5) against Bahia, in Salvador, to stay ahead of the table. After the Fifa Date, Rubro-Negro returns to the field in the classic against Botafogo, on October 15.

Flamengo reported that tickets for the duel against Cruzeiro , this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, are sold out. The clash is valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship and should bring more than 70 thousand fans to the stadium.

The North, West, East (upper and lower), and part of the South sectors are already fully booked . Tickets ranged from R$100 to R$600, with half-price options available for all categories. The high sales volume confirms the expectation of a full house for a decisive match.

FLAMENGO LEADS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Rubro-Negro heads into the match leading the standings with 54 points , four ahead of Cruzeiro, currently in second place with 50. A win for the Rio de Janeiro team will extend the gap to seven points. If Leonardo Jardim 's team wins, the gap will be reduced to just one point.

REUNION WITH GABIGOL

After making his mark at Flamengo, it's time for a reunion. For the first time since leaving the club, Gabigol will face the "Mais Querido" at Maracanã . Before the match, the striker took social media by storm with a post that intrigued both the nation and Cruzeiro fans.

The player posted a photo of a cleat with a divided heart : half red, half blue. The image sparked different interpretations. Some believed it represented the striker's connection with Flamengo and Cruzeiro. Others, however, saw a personal message, suggesting that Gabriel and Rafaella Santos, Neymar's sister, were expecting a child.

The long-awaited clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro , valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship, promises strong emotions this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The match can directly change the fight for the leadership of the competition , with both clubs experiencing a good moment in the season.

According to predictions from psychic Luiz Filho of the Renascer das Cartas channel, Flamengo will dominate most of the match, but will leave spaces open for Cruzeiro to exploit . Filipe Luís's team should show a strong comeback, but it will also face challenges due to the balance of the match.

According to the analysis, Leonardo Jardim 's team will adopt a more cautious approach than usual, which could create opportunities to surprise their opponents. However, the prediction suggests that Cruzeiro will miss good scoring chances , which could jeopardize the result at Maracanã.

EXPECTATION IS FOR A BALANCED GAME

The teams' evenly matched performance is highlighted by the cards, and a draw also appears to be a possibility. However, due to home advantage and their strong form in the championship, Flamengo appears to be a slight favorite to emerge victorious.

FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO DECIDE THE LEADERSHIP

Flamengo and Cruzeiro are emerging as the stars of the 2025 season, delighting fans with their attacking style. In the first round, the Minas Gerais team won 2-1 at Mineirão Stadium , with goals from Kaio Jorge and Arrascaeta. Now, at Maracanã Stadium, Flamengo can extend their lead to seven points with a victory. Cruzeiro, on the other hand, with a victory, will close the gap in the standings and reduce the gap to just one point.