This Sunday, Cruzeiro will face Juventude in a critical match in the Brasileiro Serie A at the Mineirao Stadium. As the league leaders, Cruzeiro is determined to secure their third consecutive victory, while Juventude, currently at the bottom of the standings, aims to leverage recent momentum from their last game.
Cruzeiro’s resurgence in the 2025 season has been notable, with the team racing to the top of the table after a period of struggles. They have amassed 30 points from 14 matches, maintaining an unbeaten streak of nine league games. Their recent 2-0 win against Fluminense, which marked their ninth victory this season, showcased their solid defense—having conceded only nine goals and achieved seven clean sheets.
Historically, Cruzeiro has performed well against Juventude, winning both encounters in 2024 without conceding a goal. They have established the Mineirao as a stronghold, winning six of their seven home matches this season, a performance unmatched by any other team in the league.
Juventude, on the other hand, has faced tough challenges this season, reflected in their position at the bottom of the league’s away standings after losing all five road matches. However, they recently ended an eight-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Sport Recife, pulling them to 11 points from 12 matches. Despite this, they still face significant pressure, sitting in 18th place, just two points from safety.
In terms of team news, Cruzeiro will have to manage without their first-choice goalkeeper Cassio due to a suspension, while Juventude continues to struggle with injuries affecting key players. Veteran striker Gilberto, who scored twice in their last outing, will hope to keep the momentum going despite the challenges.
Given their current form and home advantage, Cruzeiro is heavily favored to win this matchup against Juventude, who must show defensive resilience if they hope to secure anything in this encounter. As both teams prepare for a vital clash, the stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly impact their respective seasons.
This matchup not only highlights the competitive nature of the Brasileiro Serie A but also emphasizes the potential for surprising twists as the lower-ranked team seeks redemption against a strong opponent.