📋 With Danilo on the bench, Botafogo face Cruzeiro in BR 25 – see more
Botafogo Aims for Victory as Danilo Prepares for Debut Against Second-Place Cruzeiro
Sunday's Brazilian Championship clash at Nilton Santos Stadium pits sixth-place Botafogo against second-place Cruzeiro.
Botafogo enters the match on a high note, fresh off a 2-0 victory over Bragantino in the Copa do Brasil round of 16. While they drew 1-1 with Corinthians in their last BrasileirĂŁo outing, the Rio de Janeiro side boasts 26 points and is eager to climb the table.
Cruzeiro, however, seeks to regain its winning form after a three-game winless streak consisting of two draws and one loss against Ceará and Corinthians in the league, along with a draw against CRB in the Copa do Brasil. Despite this slump, the Minas Gerais team remains within striking distance of the league leaders, trailing Flamengo by just two points with 34 points.
Botafogo Coach Davide Ancelotti retains the core lineup from previous matches. The spotlight will be on midfielder Danilo, Botafogo's most expensive signing ever, who could make his official debut coming off the bench after a period of physical reconditioning.
Cruzeiro faces its own tactical challenges with right-back Fagner sidelined due to injury. William steps into the starting eleven in his place. Coach Leonardo Jardim also brings back Lucas Silva, Villalba, and Matheus Pereira to the lineup.