Cássio reveals Cruzeiro’s secret weapon for the run-in | OneFootball

Cruzeiro are set to use the Vitória Cup as a valuable platform to sharpen their squad’s competitive edge ahead of a demanding second half of the season, with experienced goalkeeper Cássio underlining the importance of these upcoming friendly fixtures, according to Lance.

Speaking on the club’s podcast, Cássio voiced his support for testing themselves against testing opposition. Cruzeiro open their Vitória Cup campaign against Defensa y Justicia on Thursday at the Estádio Kleber Andrade in Cariacica, followed by a clash against Banfield at the same venue on Sunday. Both opponents hail from Argentina, offering Cruzeiro stiff competition in matches Cássio believes are crucial as the club gears up for their return to Brasileirão action against Grêmio on the 13th.

“These are two very important friendlies for us to get into rhythm,” Cássio said. “I like these kinds of situations—playing at a high level, facing strong sides. Defensa y Justicia, in particular, have been having good seasons on the South American stage, regularly putting in strong performances. These will be two very good challenges.”

Cássio also highlighted the significance of reconnecting with Cruzeiro’s supporters in Espírito Santo, noting that the squad received a warm welcome on their last visit to the state. The team’s previous match at Estádio Kleber Andrade was a 2-1 defeat to Fortaleza in August last year. “It’ll be nice to see our fans again in Espírito Santo. We've always been well received whenever we've played there,” he added.

Cruzeiro completed their final training session at Toca da Raposa 2 on Wednesday morning before leaving for Vitória in the evening. The squad will remain in Espírito Santo until Sunday, with further preparations scheduled at the Aest club in Serra.

Their first opponents, Defensa y Justicia, have struggled for form this campaign. They exited the Copa Argentina at the hands of Newell’s Old Boys and finished tenth in Group A of Argentina’s Apertura, missing out on a place in the knockout rounds. Defensa y Justicia also finished bottom of their Copa Sudamericana group. Manager Mariano Soso heads into the Vitória Cup without the side’s top scorer Gastón Togni, who has joined Pachuca in Mexico, and will also be missing Emanuel Aguilera and Lucas Ferreira through muscle injuries.

With the Vitória Cup providing a final chance for tactical tweaks and player assessment before the Brasileirão resumes, Cássio’s experience and leadership could prove pivotal as Cruzeiro look to carry momentum into the domestic campaign and keep their support base energised away from home.

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