“We can’t compete” – Serie A coach is honest when talking about Flamengo

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.

Flamengo and Cruzeiro will face each other this Thursday (2), at Maracanã, in a direct clash between the leaders and runners-up of the Brasileirão . And, for the first time in a while, Filipe Luís will have practically the entire squad available for the duel that is worth the top of the table.

DEFAULTS AND RETURNS

The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar. The midfielder is recovering from a broken foot and has already begun the physical reconditioning process , but is only expected to return after the FIFA International Day. Meanwhile, Ayrton Lucas returns after serving a suspension against Corinthians.

Matías Viña and Léo Pereira, who left the last match due to illness and a knock, respectively, have been released . Another new addition is Michael, who has recovered from ankle pain and is available again. The striker, however, has not played since the Club World Cup.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

With almost the entire squad at his disposal, the tendency is for Filipe Luís to send onto the field a Flamengo with: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira (Danilo) and Alex Sandro (Ayrton Lucas); Jorginho, Saúl Ñíguez and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Among the bench options, Filipe Luís has Jorge Carrascal, a standout against Corinthians , as well as Bruno Henrique, Luiz Araújo, and Everton Cebolinha for the attack. De La Cruz is also expected to start as a substitute.

IMPORTANCE OF THE GAME

With 54 points, Flamengo leads the Brasileirão . Cruzeiro is right behind with 50, but has already played one more game. With a win at Maracanã, the Red-Blacks could open up a seven-point lead at the top, even with the game postponed. Kick-off is at 8:30 PM (Brasília time).

Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship . The ball rolls at 8:30 pm (Brasília time). The duel will not be broadcast on open TV. SporTV will show the game on subscription TV, while Premiere will broadcast it on pay-per-view.

FLAMENGO HAS ONLY ONE SQUAD

Coach Filipe Luís will be without Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. Four players are also on suspension: Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Allan, and Arrascaeta . If they receive a yellow card, they will miss the 27th round against Bahia.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

Flamengo leads the Brasileirão with 54 points. Palmeiras is second with 52, and Cruzeiro is close behind in third with 50. The head-to-head matchup won't take away Flamengo's lead, but it could widen or narrow their lead at the top of the table, making it a true "six-point" match.

TICKETS SOLD OUT

Maracanã will be packed once again. Tickets for the match are already sold out, and the nation is preparing a huge celebration at the stadium. Ticket sales began on September 2nd, exclusively for Flamengo members , who received priority and special discounts. Later, on September 18th, tickets were opened to the general public.

THE RIVER CRUISE TABOO

Cruzeiro has not beaten Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro in the Brasileirão since 2010. The celestial hope is coach Léo Jardim , nicknamed the “taboo breaker” by the Minas Gerais fans, as he has led the breaking of ten historic records since his arrival.