Betting Tip
Flamengo are defending their title not only in the Brasileirao, but also in the Copa Libertadores. A year ago, they also faced compatriots Internacional in the Round of 16. Back then, they managed not to concede once across 180 minutes (1:0, 2:0).
Cruzeiro scored fewer goals in the group stage (eight) than Flamengo (14), but their defence proved almost as reliable as the champions' (three conceded against two). At the start of Serie A, the Foxes slid into the relegation zone, but the arrival of Artur Jorge, who knows how to win in both competitions, changed the situation. After the Club World Cup, the team surged, taking nine points from a possible 12 and climbing to fifth place, which would mean playing in Libertadores qualification. Since July, Kaio Jorge (three goals in six matches) and Matheus Pereira (two in five) have been in especially good form.
Flamengo have also looked good since the restart. In four league rounds played, they have not lost once (two wins and two draws) and have even closed in on leaders Palmeiras. The gap between them is now six points. Cruzeiro's coaching staff should be concerned that the Red-Blacks are unbeaten in six away matches in a row. Yes, some of those were friendlies, but beating Benfica in Lisbon (2:1) and drawing there with River Plate (2:2) is worth plenty.
So, although Cruzeiro's defence has stabilised, coping with such a powerful opposing attack (Samuel Lino, Pedro, Bruno Henrique and others) will be extremely difficult. We should allow for at least one away goal — they have scored on their previous six visits to Belo Horizonte — and for that to be enough to bring them at least a draw (five wins and one defeat).