Cruzeiro’s title charge faces new test | OneFootball

Cruzeiro host Grêmio at Mineirão on Sunday evening in a meeting between sides placed at contrasting ends of the Campeonato Brasileiro table, according to Globo. Kick-off is set for 20:30 as Cruzeiro aim to continue their impressive campaign, having established themselves firmly in the upper tier.

After twelve rounds, Cruzeiro occupy second spot with 24 points, just edged out on goal difference by Flamengo. Paulo Pezzolano’s team have recorded seven wins in their opening twelve matches, making them one of the most consistent outfits so far. Grêmio, meanwhile, arrive in Belo Horizonte in eleventh, also with 16 points, but with only four victories—underscoring the differing trajectories of the two clubs.

In terms of playing style, Cruzeiro have averaged 6.4 shots per match, slightly above Grêmio’s 5.2. Both teams approach corners and discipline conservatively, with Cruzeiro earning a little under six corners and picking up 2.6 yellow cards per fixture, while Grêmio average 4.3 corners and 3.3 bookings per outing. Neither side has had significant disciplinary issues, although Cruzeiro have been reduced to ten men twice this season compared to Grêmio’s single red card.

At the Mineirão, Cruzeiro have looked comfortable, utilising home advantage effectively as they push their case for Copa Libertadores qualification. The team’s defensive unit, supported by disciplined midfield structure, has limited clear-cut chances for opponents and enabled a measured, positive build-up in attack.

While official line-ups and video highlights were not available at the time of writing, the fixture’s importance remains apparent. Cruzeiro are aiming to keep pace with Flamengo and extend their run at the top, whereas Grêmio’s challenge is to recover from a slow start and re-establish themselves in the upper half of the table.

With both clubs coming off a midweek rest, attention turns to which manager can extract the required intensity as teams juggle fixture congestion and squad rotation. Cruzeiro’s faithful at Mineirão will be expectant, hoping to witness another statement performance as their side continues its pursuit of silverware.

Original source: Globo.

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