Game Information

Saturday 29th March – Kick-off – 21:30 (GMT)

Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro have lofty ambitions for 2025, leading them to appoint Leonardo Jardim as their new manager. Jardim famously guided Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2016/17 and a Champions League semi-final berth that same season.

This will be his first venture into South American football, having spent recent years coaching in Asia. His appointment came after the sacking of Fernando Diniz in January.

Raposa have brought in several new faces which include; Yannick Bolasie, Dudu, Gabriel Barbosa, Christian, Dudu, Fagner, Lucas Villalba, Eduardo, Marquinhos, Rodriguinho, Fabricio Bruno and Wanderson.

They will be eager to have a strong start to their Brasileirão campaign, following a difficult end to the 2025 Campeonato Mineiro which saw them go winless in their last five matches, including being knocked out on penalties by America Mineiro.

Cruzeiro finished ninth in the league standings an improvement on their 14th-place finish in 2023, but they will be disappointed to have narrowly missed out on Copa Libertadores qualification.

Mirassol

Saturday marks a historic occasion for Mirassol, as they prepare to play their first-ever top-flight match in their 99-year history. The club secured promotion on the final day of the 2024 season with a 1-0 victory over Chapecoense, finishing as runners-up.

Despite guiding the team to promotion, head coach Mozart departed to take charge of Coritiba. His replacement, Eduardo Barroca, was dismissed in February following a poor Paulista State Championship campaign.

Rafael Guanaes took charge on March 13th and will be the man at the helm for this landmark fixture.

Leãozinho have strengthened their squad with 14 new signings as they embark on their debut season in the top tier.

Expected Lineups

Cruzeiro – Cássio, William, Jonathan Jesus, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba, Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, Matheus Pereira, Kaio Jorge, Dudu and Gabriel Barbosa

Mirassol – Alex Muralha, Lucas Ramon, João Vitor, Alan Empereur, Reinaldo, Neto Moura, Danielzinho, Gabriel, Chico Kim, Negueba and Iury Castilho.

Prediction

Cruzeiro 3-1 Mirassol