Cruzeiro vs Botafogo: Where to Watch, Lineups, and Referee Details
The Campeonato Brasileiro is heating up as Botafogo prepares to face Cruzeiro on December 4, 2025. This match kicks off at 19:30 at the Mineirão Stadium. The Glorioso is looking to secure a victory to reenter a direct qualifying position for the Copa Libertadores. Currently, Botafogo sits with 59 points, needing a win after being overtaken by both Fluminense and Bahia.
Cruzeiro vs. Botafogo: Match Preview
Botafogo, unbeaten in their last eight matches, faces a challenging task against the third-placed Cruzeiro. The home team remains undefeated for 11 games and is preparing for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil next week.
Current Standings
- Botafogo: 59 points.
- Fluminense: 61 points (recently beat Grêmio).
- Bahia: 60 points (won against Sport).
Botafogo must win to maintain hopes of a top-five finish. If they lose, they will be eliminated from G-5 contention.
Player Availability
Botafogo faces significant injury challenges, with a total of 12 players unavailable, impacting their lineup:
- Savarino – right thigh injury
- Léo Linck – abscess
- Joaquín Correa – muscle injury
- Mateo Ponte – suspended
- Others include Neto, Alexander Barboza, and Jeffinho due to various injuries and suspensions.
Coach Davide Ancelotti plans to start Raul in goal, while Vitinho returns from suspension. Chris Ramos and Nathan Fernandes are also back in the squad after injuries.
Cruzeiro’s Lineup
Cruzeiro manager Leonardo Jardim will welcome back Kaio Jorge and Lucas Romero. However, Gabriel Barbosa is suspended after receiving a third yellow card. Arroyo’s participation remains uncertain due to minor injuries.
Match Details
The match will take place as follows:
- Date: December 4, 2025
- Time: 19:30
- Stadium: Mineirão, Brazil
Where to Watch
Viewers can catch the live broadcast on multiple platforms:
- Record – with Cléber Machado
- Premiere – featuring Rogério Corrêa
- CazéTV – narrated by Luis Felipe Freitas
Tickets for the match are priced affordably for fans. Women’s tickets cost R$ 10, while general admission for Cruzeiro loyalists is R$ 30. For Botafogo supporters, tickets are available for R$ 80 (full price) and R$ 40 (half price) through the BaladAPP.
Officials on Duty
The refereeing team is led by Anderson Daronco, supported by assistants Luanderson Lima and Michael Stanislau. VAR responsibilities will be handled by Diego Pombo Lopez.
This match is crucial for Botafogo as they seek to reclaim their place in the Libertadores zone, while Cruzeiro looks to maintain their strong performance heading into the next phase of the season.
