São Paulo rushes to regularize coach before clash against Flamengo

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.

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.

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