As the Campeonato Brasileiro unfolds, the stage is set for an exciting clash at the Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, where Bahia is set to face Cruzeiro. Scheduled for 21h30 on April 17, 2025, this match marks the conclusion of the fourth round of the league. Both teams are eager to turn their fortunes around, with Bahia still searching for their first victory in the competition, while Cruzeiro aims to break a streak of four games without a win.
Under the guidance of coach Rogério Ceni, Bahia has made significant changes to their lineup. The most notable is the inclusion of 18-year-old Fredi, a promising talent from the youth ranks, who will make his debut in the Série A. This is a big moment for the young defender, stepping into a crucial match against a rival team. Joining him in the starting eleven are Santiago Arias, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba in defense, while Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas, and Erick will bolster the midfield. Up front, the attacking trio consists of Cauly, Erick Pulga, and Willian José, with Cauly returning to the squad after a brief absence.
"We are looking to make a statement tonight," said Ceni in the pre-match press conference. "The team has shown resilience, and it's time to convert our efforts into points on the board." Ceni's side will be without several key players, including Kanu, Gabriel Xavier, Michel Araujo, Iago Borduchi, and Rodrigo Nestor, who suffered an ankle injury during training this week.
On the other side, Cruzeiro, managed by Leonardo Jardim, is fielding a lineup that remains unchanged from their last match, a 1-1 draw against São Paulo. The team features Cássio in goal, supported by Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba, and Kaiki in defense. The midfield is anchored by Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva, with Matheus Pereira and Christian providing width. Up front, the duo of Wanderson and Kaio Jorge will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Bahia.
Jardim has expressed confidence in his squad, stating, "We need to build on our last performance and aim for a win tonight. The players are motivated and ready to fight for every point." Despite the team's struggles, they currently sit in 15th place with four points, just one point ahead of Bahia, who find themselves in the relegation zone at 18th place with only three points.
Historically, the matchup favors Cruzeiro, who has dominated past encounters at Mineirão. Out of 28 meetings at this venue, Cruzeiro boasts an impressive record of 20 wins, seven draws, and just one loss, with a total of 53 goals scored compared to Bahia's 14. This historical context adds an extra layer of pressure on Bahia as they look to turn the tide in a venue where they have struggled.
The stakes are high for both teams tonight, as they look to climb the league table and secure vital points. For Bahia, a victory would not only boost their morale but also provide a much-needed lifeline in their campaign. Meanwhile, Cruzeiro is keen to build momentum and avoid slipping further down the standings.
Fans are eagerly awaiting kickoff, with hopes that their respective teams can deliver an entertaining match filled with passion and determination. As the players take to the field, the atmosphere is electric, and the outcome remains uncertain. Will Bahia finally secure their first win, or will Cruzeiro find their form and secure three points at home? Only time will tell as the match unfolds.
As the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro draws to a close, all eyes will be on the Mineirão, where both teams are prepared to leave everything on the pitch. With the match set to begin shortly, supporters are ready to cheer their teams on in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Stay tuned for updates as the action unfolds live from Belo Horizonte!
