Flamengo squad holds final training session before clash against Bragantino this Tuesday

Cruzeiro lost to Vasco this Saturday (27), in São Januário, and saw Flamengo gain the chance to open up an advantage at the top of the Brasileirão if they beat Corinthians this Sunday (28). After the final whistle, striker Kaio Jorge lamented the negative result , but already projected the duel next Thursday (02), against Rubro-Negro, as a real decision.

Kaio Jorge before Flamengo vs Cruzeiro: "The Brasileirão is very complicated"

"We knew it would be a very difficult match; playing here is tough. We started the game a little off and conceded a goal, which made things difficult . When we got back into the game in the second half, we conceded another, which made things even more difficult," the striker declared.

" But we don't have time to regret it now; the Brasileirão is very complicated . And on Thursday we'll face Flamengo . So, on Thursday, Cruzeiro will have a decision," Kaio Jorge added in an interview with Amazon Prime.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

With the defeat to Vasco, Cruzeiro remains with 50 points, in second place. The Minas Gerais team, however, runs the risk of seeing Flamengo increase the gap at the top , if Rubro-Negro beats Corinthians this Sunday (28).

Furthermore, Palmeiras could also overtake the Belo Horizonte team if they defeat Bahia in this round and take second place. Thus, Cruzeiro is under pressure both to maintain its position behind Flamengo and to avoid losing ground in the table.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO?

The duel between Flamengo and Cruzeiro is scheduled for next Thursday (02), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The match will be broadcast by Premiere (pay-per-view) throughout Brazil, in addition to full coverage by Gazeta do Urubu.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Before facing Cruzeiro, Flamengo faces Corinthians this Sunday (27), at 8:30 pm, at Neo Química Arena, for the 25th round of the Brasileirão . Mais Querido is the leader of the competition with 51 points, one more than Raposa, but with two games less. Alvinegro is in 11th place with 29 points.

After the exhausting classification against Estudiantes in the Libertadores, Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (28), against Corinthians , for the 25th round of the Brasileirão. The duel will be at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena , and coach Filipe Luís must promote important changes in the lineup.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

Full-back Ayrton Lucas, suspended after receiving a third yellow card, is out. To replace him, Filipe Luís could opt for Alex Sandro, who started against Estudiantes , or Matías Viña , who hasn't started a game since July 31st. Viña, who is also out, is Erick Pulgar, recovering from a fractured right foot, and Michael, who has left ankle pain.

PROBABLE LINEUP

Flamengo is expected to take to the field with a significantly changed team compared to its recent matches . The likely lineup is: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Léo Pereira (Léo Ortiz) and Viña; Allan (Jorginho), De la Cruz, Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino (Everton Cebolinha) and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).

The coach is also expected to rest key players to preserve the squad for the remainder of the season. Saúl Ñíguez, Jorginho, and Gonzalo Plata could start on the bench , while the defensive duo of Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira, overworked with games, should be rotated with the introduction of Danilo.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

Leader of the Brasileirão, Flamengo has 51 points . Cruzeiro, who lost to Vasco 2-0 this Saturday (27), is in second place with 50 points. Right behind them is Palmeiras, in third, with 49, and who still takes to the field this Sunday (28), against Bahia, at 4 pm. Corinthians is in 11th place with 29 points.

Flamengo faces Corinthians this Sunday (28), in the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. The duel takes place at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo. Fans who want to watch the match will be able to watch on open TV, but not on Rede Globo .

WHERE TO WATCH

The interstate classic will be broadcast on free-to-air TV Record . Fans will also have the option to watch the match on CazéTV (via YouTube streaming) and Premiere on pay-per-view.

FLAMENGO SITUATION

Coach Filipe Luís will have three confirmed absences. Erick Pulgar , recovering from surgery on his right foot, remains out. Ayrton Lucas is serving a suspension due to a backlog of yellow cards , while Michael, with a left ankle injury, did not travel to São Paulo.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Flamengo: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Leo Ortiz) and Matias Viña; De La Cruz, Jorginho (Allan) and Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino (Everton Cebolinha) and Bruno Henrique (Pedro). Coach: Filipe Luis.

Corinthians: Hugo Souza; André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique and Fabrizio Angileri; Matheuzinho, Maycon (Raniele), José Martinez, Breno Bidon and Matheus Bidu; Gui Negão (Vitinho) and Yuri Alberto. Coach: Dorival Jr.

HOW IS THE TABLE

Leader of the Brasileirão, Flamengo has 51 points. Cruzeiro, who lost to Vasco 2-0 this Saturday (27), is in second place with 50 points . Right behind them is Palmeiras, in third, with 49, and who still takes to the field this Sunday (28), against Bahia, at 4 pm. Corinthians is in 11th place with 29 points.