A duel that promises strong emotions! Flamengo and Cruzeiro, leader and third place, face each other this Thursday (2), at 20:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brasileirão. Rubro-Negro will be looking for another victory to maintain their advantage at the top of the championship. The duel marks Gabigol's first reunion with the Nação Rubro-Negra, in Rio de Janeiro, after his departure from the club. 

Coach Filipe Luís led the final training session on Wednesday (1) to define the team that will take to the field. Left-back Ayrton Lucas returns from suspension due to a yellow card and is another option for the match. Athletes Léo Pereira and Viña, who were substituted at half-time in the game against Corinthians, are also available. 

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Retrospect

Flamengo and Cruzeiro have faced each other 102 times throughout history, with a slight advantage for Cruzeiro. Flamengo has won 39 times, drawn 27 times, and Cruzeiro has won 36 times. The undisputed leader of the Brazilian Championship, Cruzeiro has accumulated excellent records: 

- Team that won the most (16 wins)
- Team that lost the least (2 defeats)
- Best attack (50 goals scored)
- Best defense (12 goals conceded)
- Highest goal difference (38 goals).

Arbitration

Referee: Ramon Abatti Abel (SC)
Assistants: Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (SP) and Rafael da Silva Alves (RS)
VAR: Caio Max Augusto Vieira (GO).