Vitória vs Cruzeiro: decisive clash at Barradão

Sunday match at 4 p.m. in the Barradão offers a G‑5 spot and a fight against the relegation zone

Vitória and Cruzeiro meet this Sunday at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Barradão in Salvador for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. The clash is crucial because the Raposa needs a win to reach the top‑5 and secure peace on the FIFA calendar, while Vitória fights to stay out of the relegation zone.

Broadcast and live coverage

The match will be aired on TV Globo, GE TV and Premiere. The GE website will provide minute‑by‑minute coverage with exclusive videos, allowing fans to follow the action in real time.

Motivations of Vitória and Cruzeiro

Vitória arrives at the Barradão after a 2‑2 draw with Mirassol, maintaining a 71% home record and looking to push the drop‑risk further away. Cruzeiro, beaten 2‑1 by Santos, seeks victory to move closer to the top‑4 and secure a direct group‑stage spot in the 2027 Libertadores.

Projected line‑up for Vitória

Coach Jair Ventura is expected to line up four defenders, with Emmanuel Martínez returning from a thigh injury. If the midfielder does not start, the team may repeat the three‑centre‑back system used in the last game or adopt a more attacking shape with Matheuzinho coming on. Right‑back Fabiano Souza is out with a knee injury; Gean, from the academy, has been called up to cover his absence.

Goalkeeper: Lucas Arcanjo
Defence: Mateus Silva, Cacá, Luan Cândido, Jamerson
Midfielders: Caíque Gonçalves, Emmanuel Martínez (or Brítez or Matheuzinho)
Midfield: Zé Vitor, Erick, Diego Tarzia (or Matheuzinho)
Forward: Renê

Absent players include Nacho Laquintana, Edu, Camutanga, Nathan Mendes, Ramon, Dudu, Walace, Fabiano Souza and Gabriel Baralhas. Suspended are Marinho, Edenílson, Emanuel Brítez, Caíque Gonçalves, Ramon, Cacá, Erick, Emmanuel Martínez, Diego Tarzia, Renê and Jair Ventura.

Projected line‑up for Cruzeiro

Artur Jorge has doubts in midfield: Lucas Romero feels discomfort in his calf, and Zé Lucas may be an option. Centre‑back Jonathan Jesus is recovered and should start. At left‑back, Matías Viña competes with Gabriel Rojas for the spot.

Goalkeeper: Otávio
Defence: Fagner, Jonathan Jesus (or João Marcelo), Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Rojas
Midfielders: Zé Lucas (or Lucas Romero), Gerson, Matheus Henrique, Matheus Pereira
Forwards: Arroyo, Kaio Jorge

Confirmed absentees are Gabriel Pec, Sinisterra, Kenji, Néiser and Lucas Romero. Suspended are Otávio, Lucas Silva, Kauã Moraes, Wesley, Villaba, João Marcelo, Fabrício Bruno, Kaio Jorge.

Referee and officiating team

The match referee will be Matheus Delgado Candançan from São Paulo, assisted by Alex Ang Ribeiro (SP) and Francisco Chaves Bezerra Junior (PE). The fourth official is Leonardo Willers Lorenzatto (MT) and the VAR is Daiane Muniz (SP).

Information from GE, UOL.