Soccer

Keeping an eye on the rival: São Paulo will have key players back against Flamengo

For the match, the São Paulo team has good news. That's because two very important athletes for Hernán Crespo's team are back.

Despite the returns, São Paulo still has some uncertainties. Luiz Gustavo, an important midfielder for the team, is not playing. Photo: Reproduction
Despite the returns, São Paulo still has some uncertainties. Luiz Gustavo, an important midfielder for the team, is not playing. Photo: Reproduction

07 Jul 2025 | 18:24 |

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With the end of the FIFA Club World Cup, Flamengo is once again focused on the Brasileirão and wants to stay at the top of the table. To do so, it is important to beat São Paulo on Saturday (12), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time). The São Paulo team has good news for the match. This is because two very important athletes for Hernán Crespo's team are back.


The coach may not be on the sidelines , but the club will at least have Lucas Moura and Ferreira, two of the team's main players. The pair trained normally on Monday morning (7) and are expected to be available for the match at Maracanã.


The two athletes underwent physical transition before their full reintegration into the squad . Lucas completed the posterior capture stretching protocol on his right knee, while Ferreira recovered from an injury to the plantar fascia on his left foot.



SÃO PAULO'S PROBLEMS ARE NOT OVER


Despite the returns, São Paulo still has some uncertainties. Luiz Gustavo, an important midfielder for the São Paulo team, is being treated for pulmonary thromboembolism. On Monday, he even worked with the ball. But he has not yet been reinstated and continues to work on physical preparation.

Another problem for São Paulo is player Lucas Ferreira, who has been having pain in his hip for some time. The forward is also working separately, under the supervision of the physiotherapist of Flamengo's rival club in the Brasileirão.


THE PHASE IS NOT GOOD EITHER

Leader of the Brazilian Championship, the red-and-black team from Rio de Janeiro faces an opponent that did not perform well in the first half of the year. The team from São Paulo is trying to improve for the second half of the year. The team from São Paulo has only 12 points and is in 14th place in the Brazilian Championship. The tricolor team has only managed two victories in 12 rounds, drawing six matches and losing four. With 24 points in 11 games, Flamengo is looking for the logical answer: a victory at Maracanã.


Soccer

With former Flamengo player as starter, check out Cruzeiro's likely lineup

The player is expected to start in Cruzeiro's next match against Mais Querido and the coach is preparing the team with important changes.

Fabrício Bruno is expected to start against Flamengo and Gabigol will be an option on the bench - photo: reproduction
Fabrício Bruno is expected to start against Flamengo and Gabigol will be an option on the bench - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 21:30 |

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After a stint at Flamengo, Fabrício Bruno has reclaimed his place at Cruzeiro and will start in defense . He returns at a crucial point in the season and promises to be a key player in the defensive organization.


For the duel, the coach should send the following formation to the field: Anderson; William, João Marcelo, Fabrício Bruno and Marlon; Lucas Romero, Ramiro and Matheus Pereira; Robert, Arthur Gomes and Dinenno.


AND GABIGOL?


The match promises to be a thrilling affair for Flamengo fans. Flamengo's longtime idol, Gabigol, returns to Maracanã in a new phase of his career, playing for Cruzeiro. In the first half of the season, the striker was decisive, scoring the winning goal for Raposa, who won 2-1 at Mineirão Stadium.

Therefore, the Minas Gerais team will once again have Gabigol available for the match , who served a suspension, and Luis Sinisterra, who has recovered from a right thigh muscle injury. Both were included in the squad, but they are expected to start the match as reserves.


FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO

The duel at Maracanã pits the top two teams in the Brasileirão against each other . Flamengo leads the competition with 54 points, while Cruzeiro is close behind with 50. A victory for the Minas Gerais team could narrow the gap in the standings and further intensify the title race.


Soccer

Cruzeiro will have an important return against Flamengo in the Brasileirão

Coach Leonardo Jardim will count on the return of defender Lucas Villalba to reinforce the defense in the duel against Mengão, this Thursday (2)

Cruzeiro will have the return of Lucas Villalba to face Flamengo at Maracanã in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Cruzeiro will have the return of Lucas Villalba to face Flamengo at Maracanã in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 20:39 |

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Cruzeiro will have an important addition to their squad for their match against Flamengo in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. Suspended against Vasco, defender Lucas Villalba returns to the starting lineup and resumes his defensive position, replacing Jonathan Jesus. Villalba is considered a key player by coach Leonardo Jardim and is expected to be the only confirmed returnee for the match at Maracanã.


In addition to Villalba, Cruzeiro will again have Gabigol available, who served a suspension, and Luis Sinisterra, who has recovered from a right thigh muscle injury. Both were included in the squad, but they are expected to start the match as reserves.


The Minas Gerais team will still be without full-back Fagner, who is undergoing a physical transition after a fractured fibula, and Murilo Rhikman, Bruno Alves and Otávio, who are playing for the Brazilian Under-20 team.


PROBABLE LINEUP

Cruzeiro 's likely lineup for the match is: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian and Matheus Pereira; Wanderson and Kaio Jorge . Coach: Leonardo Jardim.


FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO

The duel at Maracanã pits the top two teams in the Brasileirão against each other . Flamengo leads the competition with 54 points, while Cruzeiro is close behind with 50. A victory for the Minas Gerais team could narrow the gap in the standings and further intensify the title race.


Soccer

Flamengo is expected to make changes to its starting lineup for the match against Cruzeiro.

Teams face each other this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship and the duel brings together the leader and vice-leader of the competition

Flamengo faces Cruzeiro at Maracanã in the 26th round of the Brasileirão in a game that could extend the red-black advantage at the top - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro at Maracanã in the 26th round of the Brasileirão in a game that could extend the red-black advantage at the top - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 20:00 |

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Flamengo comes into the match on a high after a comeback victory over Corinthians in São Paulo. With 54 points, the Red-Blacks are looking to widen their gap over Cruzeiro , who sits in second place with 50.


Coach Filipe Luís, who completed a year in charge of the team, will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar. The Chilean midfielder, recovering from foot surgery , is still recovering physically. Michael is still doubtful.


Jorginho and Pedro, who were substitutes in the last game, are expected to return to the starting lineup . Varela, Alex Sandro, and Gonzalo Plata are also expected to start, giving Flamengo a more attacking lineup.


FLAMENGO ENDS PREPARATION

The red-and-black squad held their final training session this Wednesday (1st), at 3:30 pm, at Ninho do Urubu. It was the last opportunity for Filipe Luís to confirm the team that will take to the field at Maracanã in front of more than 70 thousand fans. The probable lineup includes Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.


TECHNICAL SHEET

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere


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