Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro Prediction: Expect an exciting match

Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro Prediction and odds on the Brasileirão match on September 28, 2025

Vasco da Gama and Cruzeiro will meet in one of the best games of the round. Cruzeiro is in second place, just one point behind leader Flamengo, and will travel to Rio de Janeiro seeking a win.

Vasco da Gama: Form and statistics

Fernando Diniz was sacked by Cruzeiro at the start of this season, during the Campeonato Mineiro, after only 20 games with the Belo Horizonte club. The coach was then appointed by Vasco, and after a difficult start, he has gradually improved the team. The Cariocas are in the Copa do Brasil semifinals, and although they are in a modest 13th place in the league, it is worth noting that they have not lost in four rounds. In midweek, in a postponed match from Round 16, the Cruzmaltino beat Bahia 3-1 after a comeback. The Baianos scored first through Sanabria in the 31st minute after a failed pass from the Vasco defense. Five minutes later, in a pivotal moment of the game, Bahia midfielder Jean Lucas was sent off for elbowing an opponent. From then on, Vasco da Gama controlled the match and equalized with a header from Coutinho in the 45th minute. In the second half, in the 60th minute, Puma Rodríguez made it 2-1, also with a header after a corner, completing the comeback. The Giant secured the 3-1 victory in the 77th minute with a bizarre own goal by Luciano Juba. It was an important victory for Diniz's men, who now face a much more confident opponent than Bahia.

Vasco da Gama: Lineup

Rayan is back after being suspended.

🔖Vasco starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Léo Jardim – Paulo Henrique, Cuesta, Lucas Freitas, Puma Rodríguez – Hugo Moura, Barros – Rayan, Coutinho, Nuno Moreira – Vegetti

⛔️Out: Jair, Thiago Mendes, Lucas Piton, Tchê-Tchê, Adson (injured)

👤Head Coach: Fernando Diniz

Cruzeiro: Form and statistics

The Fox beat RB Bragantino 2-1 at home in a tough game. Red Bull had a great first half and opened the scoring through Jhon Jhon in the 26th minute with a beautiful shot that gave goalkeeper Cássio no chance. The visitors deserved the lead as they were clearly the better team on the pitch. The Miners struggled to build play in midfield, and Bragantino came close to scoring a second goal. However, just before halftime, after a good team move, captain Lucas Silva scored with an extraordinary shot from outside the box to level the score. In the second half, both teams searched for the winner, and Mineiros were ultimately more fortunate. Bragantino hit the post through Lucas Barbosa, but it was Cruzeiro who made it 2-1 through Kaiki Gomes in the 77th minute. Leonardo Jardim's team now has 50 points and has closed in on the top of the table, as Flamengo drew at home with Vasco.

Cruzeiro: Lineup

Villalba and Gabigol are suspended after receiving their third yellow card.

🔖Cruzeiro starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Cássio – William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, Kaiki – Lucas Silva, Romero – Christian, Matheus Pereira, Wanderson – Kaio Jorge

⛔️Out: Fagner (injured), Villalba, Gabriel Barbosa (suspended)

👤Head Coach: Leonardo Jardim

Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro: Head-to-head statistics

Cruzeiro has the advantage in the 86 meetings with Vasco. The Mineiros won 34 games, while the Cariocas won 21. The remaining 31 matches ended in draws.

Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro: Betting tips & Odds

• Cruzeiro won its last six matches. You can bet on Cruzeiro winning for 2.50 at Betway;
• The TU 2.5 bet has won eight times in Cruzeiro's last nine away matches. You can bet on a game with less than three goals (TU 2.5) for 1.70 at 1xBet;
• The BTTS-YES bet has won seven times in Vasco's last seven matches. You can bet on both teams to score (BTTS-YES) for 1.85 at Betway.

Vasco da Gama vs Cruzeiro match prediction 28 September 2025

Vasco has not lost in six matches, while Cruzeiro is on a six-game winning streak. In other words, both teams are confident, making this a promising contest. Vasco is tough to beat at home, but Cruzeiro has the third-best away record and will be going to Rio to win. Vasco played midweek, and so Cruzeiro may have a physical advantage. I'm betting on a Cruzeiro win.

Our match prediction: Cruzeiro to win for 2.50 at Betway.

Our betting tip for this Brasileirão match: TU 2.5 for 1.70 at 1xBet.

Our final betting tip on the match: Correct Score 0-2 for 11.00 at Bet365.