Corinthians vs Cruzeiro: Key Matchup in Brasileirão with Eyes on Libertadores and Sul-Americana

Corinthians and Cruzeiro are set to face off on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, marking the 34th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match, scheduled for 11:00 AM Brasília time, holds significant importance for both teams as they navigate their respective goals in the tournament.

The Corinthians, currently in 11th place with 41 points, are on a streak of four consecutive victories, which has helped them distance themselves from the relegation zone and reignite hopes of securing a spot in the Libertadores for the next season. However, the team faces defensive challenges with Félix Torres and José Martínez away on international duty and Cacá and André Ramalho recovering from injuries. Coach Ramón Díaz may have to improvise with Raniele or the young Renato in the defensive lineup.

On the other hand, Cruzeiro, sitting in 7th place with 47 points, is heavily focused on the upcoming final of the Copa Sul-Americana against Racing of Argentina. As a result, coach Fernando Diniz is expected to field a largely alternative team. Key players like Kaio Jorge, Gabriel Verón, and Matheus Pereira are out due to suspensions, and others like Rafa Silva are still recovering from injuries. The match will serve as an opportunity for Diniz to give playing time to important players who have not seen much action recently, such as Lautaro Díaz, who returns as a starter after more than a month.

The match will be broadcast live on Premiere, with additional streaming options available on Globoplay. The referee for the match is Jonathan Benkenstein Pinheiro, assisted by Bruno Raphael Pires and Maira Mastella Moreira, with Rafael Traci handling the VAR duties.

This encounter is crucial for both teams as they balance their immediate league goals with broader ambitions. For Corinthians, a win could virtually eliminate any risk of relegation and keep their Libertadores dreams alive. For Cruzeiro, the match is a precursor to their Sul-Americana final and a chance to maintain their position in the G-7, ensuring a spot in the Libertadores if they do not win the continental tournament.