Corinthians vs Cruzeiro preview

Brazil flag 2026 Serie A, Brazil
Arena Corinthians
Serie A
CorinthiansCTH
1 2
CruzeiroCRZ
Full Time
Round 23 Regular Season
Goal
|
Goal
Wanderson - 82'

CONTEXT

Corinthians hosted Cruzeiro in a match that concluded with a 1-2 final score. The visitors took a 0-1 lead into halftime. Corinthians held 53 percent possession compared to Cruzeiro's 47 percent. Expected goals stood at 1.4 for the home side and 1.18 for the away side. No red cards were issued to either team. Cruzeiro entered as the stronger side and secured the victory despite the narrow expected goals differential of 0.22. The result showed significant deviation from pre-match projections for the winning team.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Corinthians 1-2 Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency remained in line with overall team performance levels.
  • xG alignment: Final outcome was not consistent with the expected goals distribution.
  • Market alignment: Result aligned with market expectations for the stronger side.
  • xG expectations: Home side generated higher expected goals yet failed to win.
  • Event impact: No major events altered the flow beyond standard play.
  • Red card distortion: Absence of red cards left no distortion in match dynamics.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
D. de Oliveira Lacerda
D. de Oliveira Lacerda
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
T. Americano Labes
T. Americano Labes
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
D. Pagung
D. Pagung
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
B. Mota Correia
B. Mota Correia
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Corinthians F. Diniz Silva
F. Diniz Silva
VS
Cruzeiro Artur Jorge
Artur Jorge
1.45
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.68
2.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Bragantino Rank: 65 W
Athletico PR Rank: 66 D
Bahia Rank: 63 D
Remo Rank: 57 W
Grêmio Rank: 63 W
Atlético Mineiro Rank: 65 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
2.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Mirassol Rank: 66 W
Coritiba Rank: 63 W
Botafogo Rank: 68 L
Internacional Rank: 63 W
Fluminense Rank: 68 D
Chapecoense Rank: 52 W
1
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1 - 2 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
67.61
69.24
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Corinthians
Cruzeiro
Power Score
67.61
69.24
League Position
9
6
Global Rank
329
286

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Corinthians — Opponent-weighted form score
Cruzeiro — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Corinthians Cruzeiro

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Corinthians

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Cruzeiro

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Corinthians ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Cruzeiro
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
34.91
30.76
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
30.76
34.91
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Corinthians +0.34 Efficiency Index
vs
Cruzeiro -0.34 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Corinthians
Cruzeiro
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Corinthians
vs
Cruzeiro
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Corinthians Cruzeiro
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
16%
25%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.23 vs -0.29
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Corinthians Cruzeiro
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
25%
16%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.29 vs -0.23
Corinthians
Cruzeiro
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Corinthians
vs
Cruzeiro
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Corinthians Cruzeiro
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Corinthians 0.46
Cruzeiro 0.57
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Corinthians Cruzeiro
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Corinthians 0.04
Cruzeiro 0.03
Corinthians
Cruzeiro
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • CTH had peak pressure around 62'.
  • CRZ started the game with stronger pressure.
CTH Pressure CRZ Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: CTH reached the top pressure at 62' (68.28).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 5 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Corinthians CTH Home
5 matches
Cruzeiro CRZ Away
Match Record
1
Wins
2
2
Draws
2
2
Losses
1
Goals
4
Goals Scored
8
8
Goals Conceded
4
-4
Goal Difference
+4
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-17T00:14:20+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-4-2
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026 Serie A, Brazil · Round 23 · Regular Season
Stadium
Arena Corinthians
Capacity
49205
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Davi de Oliveira Lacerda
Thiago Americano Labes
Douglas Pagung
Bruno Mota Correia

Statistics

Possession
CTH
54%
CRZ
46%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 2
1 Big Chances Created 1
5 Shots 3
43 Dangerous attacks 29
53 Possession 47
3 Corners 8
14 Free kicks 16
1 Yellow Cards 4

Match Overview

6 Goal Kicks 6
6 Substitutions 6
22 Throwins 32
1 Hit Woodwork 1
6 Successful Headers 5
10 Dribble Attempts 16
8 Successful Dribbles 4
80 Successful Dribbles Percentage 25

Attacking

127 Attacks 86
1 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

36 Long Passes 57
457 Passes 410
393 Successful Passes 337
86 Successful Passes Percentage 82
17 Key Passes 10
16 Successful Long Passes 24
44 Successful Long Passes Percentage 42

Defensive

4 Saves 5
23 Tackles 10
8 Interceptions 11
56 Duels Won 40

Build-up

24 Total Crosses 15
9 Accurate Crosses 3

Discipline

0 Offsides 3
16 Fouls 14

Lineup

Referee : Davi de Oliveira Lacerda

Starting XI ▼

1
Hugo Souza
Hugo Souza Goalkeeper
7.19
2
Matheuzinho
Matheuzinho Defender
7.1
3
Gabriel Paulista
Gabriel Paulista Defender
6.46
4
Tchoca
Tchoca
Defender54'
6.77
13
Gustavo Henrique
Gustavo Henrique Defender
7.7
21
Matheus Bidu
Matheus Bidu Defender
7.02
7
Breno Bidon
Breno Bidon Midfielder
6.8
77
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard
Midfielder46'
6.55
8
Rodrigo Garro
Rodrigo Garro (C) Midfielder
7.18
19
André Carrillo
André Carrillo Midfielder
7.09
23
Matheus Pereira
Matheus Pereira
Midfielder80'
29
Allan
Allan Midfielder
7.09
37
Kaio César
Kaio César Midfielder
7.24
61
Dieguinho
Dieguinho
Midfielder71'
6.51
18
Pedro Raul
Pedro Raul Attacker
6.83
56
Gui Negão
Gui Negão
Attacker70'
6.56
Referee : Davi de Oliveira Lacerda

Starting XI ▼

81
Otávio Costa
Otávio Costa Goalkeeper
6.43
23
Fagner
Fagner Defender
7.04
25
Lucas Villalba
Lucas Villalba Defender
6.76
34
Jonathan Jesus
Jonathan Jesus Defender
6.91
43
João Marcelo
João Marcelo Defender
6.66
5
Zé Lucas
Zé Lucas Midfielder
6.73
8
Gerson
Gerson
Midfielder58'
6.86
29
Lucas Romero
Lucas Romero (C) Midfielder
6.48
38
Felipe Morais
Felipe Morais Midfielder
6.3
99
Keny Arroyo
Keny Arroyo
Attacker58'
6.66
67
João Costa
João Costa Midfielder
6.49
94
Wanderson
Wanderson
Attacker79'
9
Bruno Rodrigues
Bruno Rodrigues Attacker
7.36
97
Luciano Rodríguez
Luciano Rodríguez
Attacker70'
6.36
19
Kaio Jorge
Kaio Jorge Attacker
6.68
10
Matheus Pereira
Matheus Pereira
Midfielder58'
6.71

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Rodrigo Garro
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
90+1'
90'
Event
Luciano Rodríguez
Time wasting / 3rd Yellowcard
90'
Event
Lucas Villalba
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
82'
Event
Wanderson
Header / 3rd Goal
Event
Matheus Pereira → André Carrillo
10th Substitution
80'
79'
Event
Wanderson → João Costa
9th Substitution
Event
Dieguinho → Kaio César
8th Substitution
71'
Event
Gui Negão → Pedro Raul
6th Substitution
70'
70'
Event
Luciano Rodríguez → Bruno Rodrigues
7th Substitution
67'
Event
Jonathan Jesus
Persistent fouling / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Gustavo Henrique
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
58'
58'
Event
Keny Arroyo → Felipe Morais
3rd Substitution
58'
Event
Gerson → Zé Lucas
4th Substitution
58'
Event
Matheus Pereira → Kaio Jorge 
5th Substitution
Event
Tchoca → Gabriel Paulista
2nd Substitution
54'
51'
Event
Felipe Morais
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
Event
Jesse Lingard → Breno Bidon
1st Substitution
46'
1ST-HALF
36'
Event
Bruno Rodrigues
Right foot shot / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Joao Pedro Head Shot Saved
90
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Gustavo Henrique Vernes Head Shot Blocked
90
Corner Corner
Corner
90
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos Right Footed Shot Blocked
90
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos Right Footed Shot Blocked
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Rodrigo Garro
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Lucas Villalba
82
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos Head Shot Goal
82
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal - Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos 1-2
80
Update Update
On Matheus Pereira da Silva，Off Andre Carrillo
79
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Guilherme Inacio Head Shot Post
79
Update Update
On Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos，Off Joao Costa
78
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Luciano Rodriguez Rosales Right Footed Shot Post
75
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Keny Arroyo Left Footed Shot Blocked
75
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Gerson Santos da Silva Left Footed Shot Missed
74
Corner Corner
Corner
73
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Matheus Lima Beltrao Oliveira,Bidu Left Footed Shot Missed
71
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Rodrigo Garro Left Footed Shot Blocked
71
Update Update
On Dieguinho，Off Kaio
70
Update Update
On Dieguinho，Off Kaio
70
Update Update
On Dieguinho，Off Kaio
70
Update Update
On Guilherme Inacio，Off Pedro Raul Garay da Silva
69
Corner Corner
Corner
69
Corner Corner
Corner
68
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Keny Arroyo Left Footed Shot Blocked
68
Corner Corner
Corner
67
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Jonathan Jesus
63
Update Update
Offside
63
Update Update
Offside
63
Update Update
Offside
61
Corner Corner
Corner
61
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Fagner Conserva Lemos Right Footed Shot Blocked
60
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Kaio Left Footed Shot Blocked
59
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal - Gustavo Henrique Vernes 1-1
58
Update Update
On Keny Arroyo，Off Felipe Morais
58
Update Update
On Matheus Pereira，Off Kaio Jorge Pinto Ramos
58
Update Update
On Gerson Santos da Silva，Off Ze Lucas
58
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal 1-1
56
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Allan Rodrigues de Souza Left Footed Shot Saved
54
Update Update
On Joao Pedro，Off Gabriel Armando de Abreu
52
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Andre Carrillo Right Footed Shot Missed
52
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow Card - Felipe Morais
51
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Joao Costa Right Footed Shot Saved
51
Corner Corner
Corner
48
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Gustavo Henrique Vernes Head Shot Blocked
48
Corner Corner
Corner
48
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Rodrigo Garro Left Footed Shot Saved
46
Update Update
On Jesse Lingard，Off Breno Bidon
45
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Lucas Villalba Left Footed Shot Blocked
45
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Rodrigo Garro Head Shot Missed
42
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Kaio Right Footed Shot Blocked
41
Corner Corner
Corner
40
Corner Corner
Corner
38
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Pedro Raul Garay da Silva Right Footed Shot Blocked
36
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Bruno Rafael Rodrigues do Nascimento Right Footed Shot Goal
36
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Joao Costa Head Shot Saved
35
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Joao Costa Head Shot Saved
34
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal - Bruno Rafael Rodrigues do Nascimento 0-1
34
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Breno Bidon Right Footed Shot Blocked
32
Corner Corner
Corner
28
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Rodrigo Garro Left Footed Shot Post
22
Corner Corner
Corner
21
Corner Corner
Corner
20
Update Update
Offside
19
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Kaio Left Footed Shot Blocked
15
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Pedro Raul Garay da Silva Head Shot Saved
7
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Bruno Rafael Rodrigues do Nascimento Right Footed Shot Saved
1
Update Update
Kick-off! Referee：Davi de Oliveira Lacerda

CONCLUSION

Final score detail: Corinthians 1-2 Cruzeiro. Structural assessment: Cruzeiro exhibited a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline. Efficiency outcome: Possession-adjusted chance creation finished in line with projected levels. Result alignment: The final score was consistent with the pre-match probability model. Market alignment: The match result was within the projected probability range.