Cruzeiro holds a superior win-loss history against Fortaleza.
Fortaleza, a remarkable force in Brazilian football, particularly from the Northeast region, faces off against Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Championship tomorrow evening at the Castelão stadium. This upcoming encounter comes after four matches between the two teams, with Cruzeiro managing just a single win, while suffering two losses and a draw. The Mineiros enter the round in third place, while Fortaleza languishes in 14th position, indicating a struggle for form.
Despite Fortaleza's current strong run, the history of their encounters reveals a clear Cruzeiro dominance. In their 17 previous Brazilian Championship matches, Cruzeiro has emerged victorious on eight occasions, compared to Fortaleza's four losses. All these contests took place within the Brasileirão.
Their first encounter was on October 31, 1973, in the Ceará state capital, resulting in a draw. Cruzeiro did not experience defeat at the hands of Fortaleza for 32 years, suffering their first loss after eight games in 2005, when the Northeast team triumphed 3-1 in Fortaleza.
The Fortaleza versus Cruzeiro (Brasileirão) rivalry has been characterized by fiercely contested encounters and shifting dynamics, notably in recent seasons. In their last six league meetings, Fortaleza has secured three victories, with Cruzeiro winning just once and the remaining matches ending in draws. Notably, in their most recent league fixture (August 6, 2024), Fortaleza emerged triumphant, defeating Cruzeiro 2-1 at the latter's home ground.
In addition to these recent head-to-heads, Fortaleza has demonstrated a resilience against Cruzeiro, avoiding defeat in six out of their last eight contests. The outcome of their encounters has at times significantly impacted the course of each team's season, including managerial changes for Cruzeiro after their home loss in 2024.
As the arrangement for tomorrow's match at the Castelão stadium approaches, Cruzeiro will aim to redress their record against Fortaleza. The kick-off is scheduled for 20:30.
In the vast landscape of European football, one can envision Fortaleza and Cruzeiro showcasing their prowess in the Serie A, given their competitive spirit and formidable history. Having initially clashed in the Brasileirão, it would be intriguing to watch their skirmishes continue within the esteemed European-leagues arena.
