In an exciting matchup for the Brasileirão Betano title, Cruzeiro will clash with Flamengo on Thursday, March 2, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) in the Maracanã Stadium. The Alviceleste currently ranks third, while Flamengo leads the tournament.
Cruzeiro’s Squad Challenges
Coach Leonardo Jardim faces two confirmed absences for this crucial game. Striker Wanderson is sidelined due to a back issue, while defender Jonathan Jesus has been ruled out with knee pain. These injuries have raised concerns regarding the team’s defensive and offensive capability.
Motivation from Ownership
To boost team morale, Cruzeiro’s owner, Pedro Lourenço, has revealed an enticing bonus for a victory against Flamengo. According to journalist Jorge Nicola, a lucrative reward will be given to the players if they secure a win. This follows a previous payout of R$ 9 million after the team reached the Copa do Brasil semifinals.
Previous Encounters and Team Dynamics
In their previous encounter during the first half of the season, Cruzeiro triumphed over Flamengo with a score of 2-1, and Flamengo’s coach, Filipe Luís, has acknowledged the strength of Cruzeiro, labeling them as serious title contenders.
Recent Performance
- On Saturday, February 27, Cruzeiro suffered a 2-0 defeat against Vasco.
- The team is currently four points behind Flamengo in the league standings.
- The upcoming match is perceived as a must-win to regain momentum in the title race.
As Cruzeiro aims to break a 15-year winless streak at the Maracanã, the commitment from Pedro Lourenço promises to potentially motivate the team towards achieving their goals in the Brasileirão.
