The excitement is palpable as Internacional prepares to face Cruzeiro in a highly anticipated match at Beira-Rio, scheduled to kick off at 18:30 on April 6, 2025. This clash marks the second round of the Brasileirão, with both teams eager to secure vital points early in the season.
Coach Roger Machado has made significant changes to his lineup, opting for a more aggressive approach after a disappointing draw with Bahia in their Libertadores debut. Three key alterations have been made: Rogel steps in for the injured Juninho in defense, while Carbonero replaces Vitinho in the attack. Enner Valencia will lead the forward line, with Borré starting on the bench. The Colorado's starting eleven features Anthoni; Aguirre, Vitão, Rogel, and Bernabei; Fernando and Bruno Henrique; Wesley, Alan Patrick, and Carbonero; with Enner Valencia at the helm.
On the bench for Internacional, Machado has a wealth of options including Ivan, Borré, Clayton, Diego Rosa, Kaique Rocha, Lucca, Oscar Romero, Ramon, Ronaldo, Thiago Maia, Vitinho, and Nathan. The depth of the squad gives Machado flexibility in tactics and substitutions as the match progresses.
Across the pitch, Cruzeiro's coach, Leonardo Jardim, has also made headlines with his surprising lineup decisions. Seeking to secure their second consecutive victory in the Brazilian Championship, Jardim has opted to start Eduardo in place of Kaio Jorge, who is considered a key player but will begin the match on the bench. This change is part of a broader strategy to keep the team dynamic and unpredictable.
Jardim has also reinstated Romero to the starting lineup, pushing Walace to a substitute role. The return of Jonathan, who has recovered from a recent illness, has seen Gamarra relegated to the bench. A notable addition to the squad is 19-year-old midfielder Murilo Rhikman, who has been impressive in the under-20 ranks and is expected to bring energy and creativity if called upon.
Matheus Pereira, a regular starter, did not travel with the team to Porto Alegre as he is celebrating the birth of his son, which adds a personal touch to the match-day atmosphere.
The starting eleven for Cruzeiro comprises Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Matheus Henrique, and Eduardo; with Dudu, Wanderson, and Gabigol leading the attack. The substitutes include Léo Aragão, Mateo Gamarra, Lucas Villalba, Fagner, Marlon, Lucas Silva, Murilo Rhikman, Rodriguinho, Marquinhos, Lautaro Díaz, Yannick Bolasie, and Kaio Jorge.
As both teams take to the field, the stakes are high. Internacional is looking to capitalize on home advantage, while Cruzeiro aims to build momentum after their previous win. The tactical battles between the coaches will be just as crucial as the individual performances of the players on the pitch.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the kickoff, with both sets of supporters ready to cheer their teams to victory. The atmosphere at Beira-Rio promises to be electric, with a full house expected to witness this thrilling encounter.
With the match still in progress, every moment counts as both teams vie for dominance. Will Internacional's changes pay off, or can Jardim's strategic shifts lead Cruzeiro to another victory? The unfolding drama of the Brasileirão is set to captivate audiences as the players deliver their best on the field.
