Cruzeiro EC vs. CA Mineiro

Cruzeiro enters this Copa do Brasil quarterfinal first leg at Mineirão on strong recent momentum, having secured four straight Série A victories including a 2-1 comeback win over Flamengo, which lifted the side to fifth place with 39 points. Home advantage, combined with attacking options like Matheus Pereira, Kaio Jorge, and Keny Arroyo, supports the market’s view of Cruzeiro as the narrow favorite. Atlético Mineiro arrives unbeaten in 11 matches across competitions yet sits ninth in the league after a 0-0 draw at Internacional; multiple defensive and midfield absences, including Lyanco, Léo Duarte, and Victor Hugo, limit the visitors’ options away from Arena MRV. Head-to-head results remain split, with each side claiming recent league and state titles, keeping draw probability elevated in a tightly contested derby opener.