Fluminense FC vs. Cruzeiro EC Prediction on July 17, 2025

Match info

Now that the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is over, most of the teams that participated there go for a short offseason break, while some return to their domestic obligations, such as Fluminense FC. They will play their Série A Betano 2025 – Round 14 match against Cruzeiro EC on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at home at the Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho in Rio de Janeiro, better known as Maracanã, starting at 7:30 p.m. local time (10:30  p.m. UTC).

Here’s a complete, cohesive breakdown and prediction for the Fluminense vs. Cruzeiro match within the 69th season of the top level of men’s professional football in Brazil. Even though the table says a different story, Fluminense is set as the favorite by Brazil betting sites.

Meeting statistics

Current form: Fluminense FC

• Recently returned from the Club World Cup, they face a congested fixture list in the league, including Cruzeiro, Flamengo, Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Internacional
• In the Série A Betano 2025, “Tricolor” have played 11 matches – 6 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses
• Sitting 7th with 20 points, averaging 1.60 goals scored per match, and 1.36 goals conceded

Current form: Cruzeiro EC

• Cruzeiro are equal with Flamengo at the top of the standings after 12 matches: 8 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses
• With 27 points and a goal difference of +12
• Their goals per match are about 1.60 scored and 0.7 conceded—solid defensively and efficient in attack

Playstyle: Fluminense FC

• Managed by Renato Gaúcho, they balance possession and direct attacking wings
• They possess strong value on set-piece threats with key players like Jhon Arias and Kevin Serna creating chances
• Occasional defensive inconsistencies, especially amid fixture fatigue after global competition participation

Playstyle: Cruzeiro EC

• Under Leonardo Jardim, “Raposa” (The Fox) exhibit a compact shape and disciplined defense
• Rely on transitional attacks led by top scorer Kaio Jorge (11 goals) and creator Matheus Pereira
• They are efficient and balanced, conceding only 9 goals in 12 matches, the league’s stingiest defense so far

Head-to-head history

• Across 45 meetings, Fluminense won 21, Cruzeiro 14, and there were 10 draws
• The total goals averaged ~3.0 per match
• At Maracanã, the recent Fluminense record against Cruzeiro is 13 wins, 7 draws, and 2 defeats in 22 home matches

Match analytics

Cruzeiro’s defensive solidity and Fluminense’s fatigue from extra matches at the CWC suggest a tight contest.

Tip: 1x2: Draw, at 3.28 odds on Asprobet.