Set to explode the Mineirão stadium as Cruzeiro faces Atlético Mineiro in Round 9 of Serie A Betano, the Clássico Mineiro is among Brazil’s toughest football rivalies. Rodrigues F., who promises a high-stakes confrontation between two in-form sides, will referee this scheduled 18 May 2025 match at the 61,927-capacity venue Belo Horizonte at 23:30 GMT.
With Atlético in seventh and Cruzeiro in fourth, both sides are rising in the league standings, thus this rivalry is absolutely important for their goals. Together with the tactical chess duel between coaches Leonardo Jardim and Cuca, the electrified environment guarantees an exciting show in this legendary football game.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This section prepares you for an in-depth look at the Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro prediction today. Recent performances give important hints on the weaknesses and strengths of every squad. Head-to-head interactions expose historical patterns that might change the result. Examining form, major players, and historical derbies can help us to provide useful information. Watch this space for a breakdown of the statistics supporting this much awaited game.
Cruzeiro Results
Under Leonardo Jardim, Cruzeiro have been on an increasing trend displaying defensive solidity and offensive flare. Their recent 4-0 hammering of Sport Recife shows their capacity to seize advantage from less strong opponents. Lucas Romero’s return improves their midfield for the Derby.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 15/05/25 | COP | Cruzeiro vs Palestino | 2-1 | W |
| 11/05/25 | SA | Sport Recife vs Cruzeiro | 0-4 | W |
| 08/05/25 | COP | Mushuc Runa vs Cruzeiro | 1-1 | D |
| 05/05/25 | SA | Cruzeiro vs Flamengo RJ | 2-1 | W |
| 02/05/25 | COP | Cruzeiro vs Vila Nova FC | 2-0 | W |
Cruzeiro’s three consecutive Serie A wins demonstrate their momentum heading into the derby. The 4-0 away victory against Sport underscores their attacking potency, led by Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge. Their home form remains perfect, with no league losses at Mineirão this season. The draw against Mushuc Runa in the Copa Sudamericana suggests some vulnerability in away continental games. However, their ability to grind out results bodes well for a competitive Clássico Mineiro.
Atlético Mineiro Results
Atlético Mineiro, under Cuca’s guidance, have shown resilience, particularly in their recent home games. The dramatic 3-2 comeback against Fluminense highlights their fighting spirit. However, injuries and suspensions could test their depth in this crucial derby.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 16/05/25 | COP | Atlético-MG vs Caracas | 3-1 | W |
| 11/05/25 | SA | Atlético-MG vs Fluminense | 3-2 | W |
| 09/05/25 | COP | Deportes Iquique vs Atlético-MG | 3-2 | L |
| 06/05/25 | SA | Juventude vs Atlético-MG | 0-1 | W |
| 30/04/25 | COP | Maringa FC vs Atlético-MG | 2-2 | D |
Atlético’s consecutive home victories in Copa Sudamericana and Serie A mirror their increasing confidence. Sealed by Igor Gomes’s 94th-minute goal, the late comeback against Fluminense demonstrates their under pressure performance capability. Still, their away setback to Deportes Iquique reveals defensive weaknesses. The draw against Maringa FC points to weariness from a packed calendar. Notwithstanding these obstacles, their attacking three of Hulk, Rony, and Júnior Santos still poses a serious danger.
Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro Head-to-Head Results
Atlético has a little edge in 393 games, but the Clássico Mineiro has a rich legacy. Recent meetings have suited the Rooster, who against Cruzeiro are perfect in their last five derbies. Tight, low-scoring events resulting from these games give this match much mystery.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 09/02/25 | MIN | Cruzeiro vs Atlético-MG | 0-2 |
| 18/01/25 | CF | Atlético-MG vs Cruzeiro | 0-0 |
| 11/08/24 | SA | Cruzeiro vs Atlético-MG | 0-0 |
| 21/04/24 | SA | Atlético-MG vs Cruzeiro | 3-0 |
| 07/04/24 | MIN | Cruzeiro vs Atlético-MG | 1-3 |
Atlético has psychological momentum because they dominates recent derbies, including a 2-0 victory at Mineirão in February 2025. Three of the final five encounters concluded with clean sheets for Atlético, so stressing their defensive discipline against Cruzeiro. Two draws in 2024, however, point to Cruzeiro’s ability to hold his adversaries in closely contested games.
Predicted Football Lineups for Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro
Since both sides depend on important players to control the pace, the starting lines for this football match are absolutely crucial. Atlético’s counter-attacking ability contrasts with Cruzeiro’s attacking fluidity, so tactical decisions become extremely important.
Cruzeiro Predicted Lineup: Cássio (GK), Fagner (DF), Fabrício Bruno (DF), Villalba (DF), Kaiki (DF), Lucas Silva (MF), Lucas Romero (MF), Christian (MF), Matheus Pereira (MF), Wanderson (MF), Kaio Jorge (FW)
Atlético Mineiro Predicted Lineup: Everson (GK), Natanael (DF), Lyanco (DF), Junior Alonso (DF), Rubens (DF), Scarpa (MF), Alan Franco (MF), Fausto Vera (MF), Júnior Santos (FW), Rony (FW), Hulk (FW)
Unavailable Players
Suspensions and injuries might tip the scale of this fiercely fought derby. The players ruled out for both sides are compiled below.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Cruzeiro | João Marcelo | Injured |
| Cruzeiro | Matheus Henrique | Injured |
| Atlético Mineiro | Cadu | Injured |
| Atlético Mineiro | Arana | Injured |
| Atlético Mineiro | Menino | Injured |
| Atlético Mineiro | Cuello | Suspended |
Key Factors to Watch in Clássico Mineiro
This section highlights critical elements that could determine the outcome of the Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro clash. From player form to external influences, these factors shape the derby’s narrative. Bettors and fans alike should keep these in mind.
- Cruzeiro’s Home Form: Undefeated in Serie A at Mineirão, Cruzeiro thrive on home support, averaging over two goals per game;
- Atlético’s Away Struggles: Atlético’s loss to Deportes Iquique and draw against Maringa FC expose vulnerabilities on the road;
- Matheus Pereira’s Impact: Cruzeiro’s star midfielder, with two goals against Sport, is in top form and could exploit Atlético’s defense;
- Hulk’s Goal Threat: Atlético is always a threat as their talisman has scored in three of their last five games;
- Injury Concerns: Atlético’s depleted squad, missing Arana and Cuello, may struggle with depth against Cruzeiro’s near-full roster;
- Recent Schedule Fatigue: Both teams played midweek Copa Sudamericana matches, but Cruzeiro’s use of a secondary squad may give them fresher legs;
- Referee Rodrigues F.: Known for strict officiating, he averages 5.2 cards per game, potentially impacting a physical derby;
- Fan Influence: Mineirão’s passionate crowd could act as Cruzeiro’s “12th man,” pressuring Atlético in key moments.
Free Tips on Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro
Emphasising data-driven insights, this part provides strategic betting tips specifically for the Clássico Mineiro. Based on team and player tendencies, these pointers seek to maximise your betting value. Give these serious thought before laying bets.
- Bet on Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Four of the last five derbies saw at least one goal, and both teams’ attacking units are in form, with Cruzeiro scoring 10 goals in their last three league games and Atlético netting six;
- Look at More than one and a half goals: The last five head-to-heads averaged 2.2 goals per game, and Cruzeiro’s home game performance this season often meets this level;
- Look at Matheus Pereira to Score or Assist: Pereira’s recent brace and playmaking ability make him a prime candidate to influence the scoresheet;
- Explore Corners Over 9.5: Atlético’s reliance on Hulk’s set-pieces, as seen in their Fluminense win, and Cruzeiro’s high-pressing style often lead to corner-heavy games;
- Yellow Cards Over 4.5: With Rodrigues F.’s strict refereeing and the derby’s intensity, expect frequent bookings, as seen in past Clássico Mineiro clashes;
- Double Chance (Cruzeiro or Draw): Cruzeiro’s perfect home record and Atlético’s inconsistent away form tilt the odds slightly in the Fox’s favor.
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Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro Match Prediction 2025
The Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro odds reflect the tight nature of this derby, with no clear favorite. Cruzeiro’s unbeaten home record in Serie A, coupled with their recent 4-0 demolition of Sport Recife, gives them a slight edge. Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge have been in amazing form, deftly using defensive flaws. Their flawless Mineirão record average 2.3 goals per home game indicates they can break Atlético’s backline. Cruzeiro also uses a reserve squad midweek in the Copa Sudamericana to provide fresher legs for their starts.
Atlético Mineiro, meanwhile, are not pushovers. Their resiliency was evident in their thrilling 3-2 victory over Fluminense; Hulk and Júnior Santos proved deadly in attack. Still, their away form raises questions since a draw against Maringa FC reveals defensive lapses and a loss to Deportes Iquique points to. Arana and Cadu’s injuries as well as Cuello’s ban hurt their squad depth even further. Although Hulk’s set-piece ability and counter-attacking danger could damage Cruzeiro, their thin roster could suffer against a lively home side.
Atlético, who won 2-0 at Mineirão in February 2025, has a head-to-head record that favours them; nevertheless, Cruzeiro’s present form and home advantage change the balance. Atlético’s flow may be disrupted by the referee’s rigidity and the fervent Mineirão crowd. Their attacking impetus and fresher squad exceed Atlético’s resistance, hence we expect a limited Cruzeiro triumph, probably 2-1. The Cruzeiro vs Atlético Mineiro odds for a home win or draw (1X) offer solid value, while both teams scoring is highly probable given their offensive output.
Our Prediction: Cruzeiro 2-1 Atlético Mineiro
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Double Chance | Cruzeiro or Draw (1X) | 1.38 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 2.09 |
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