Cruzeiro leaders welcome Leonardo Jardim’s progress and “studied” semi-final plan against São Paulo team
Cruzeiro finished their participation in the 2025 Brazilian Championship with an exceptional campaign. The Minas Gerais team finished in third place, recording 19 wins, 13 draws and only six defeats. This performance guaranteed a direct place in the 2026 Libertadores, thus fulfilling the main objective of the year. However, the cast will not get a break. The club immediately turns the key to the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil against Corinthians. The decisive duels take place this Wednesday (10), in Mineirão, and Sunday (14), in São Paulo.
In an interview with Betfair, defender Fabrício Bruno analyzed the season. The defender acknowledged the hesitant start, but appreciated the team’s recovery after the arrival of coach Leonardo Jardim.
“We had a somewhat complicated start to the year, but above all, when we found the path to victory and we started to advance regularly, it shows the year we have had. With the arrival of ‘Mr.’ Jardim, our work has evolved a lot. And I believe that we have everything we need to close the year well with the Brazilian Cup in mind,” he said.
Now all the attention is on the knockout stage. In fact, Fabrício knows the style of Dorival Júnior, the rival’s commander, well and anticipates a tactical confrontation.
“I have already worked with Professor Dorival and I know very well how he works: seriously and very objectively in the clubs he has frequented. I think it will be a very studied game. A semi-final of the Brazilian Cup is decided in detail, so we have to be very careful with the opposing athletes to have a great match,” warned the defender.
The athlete, recently called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazilian team, reinforced the need for mental preparation.
“We know that it will be two very difficult matches against Corinthians, especially since it is a semi-final against a big opponent. We have to prepare in the best possible way: technically, tactically and mentally, to play a great match,” he added.
Lucas Romero calls for caution and praises his rival
Midfielder Lucas Romero also called for extreme caution. The Argentine praised the individual quality of his opponent, but assured that Cruzeiro would strengthen thanks to his concentration.
“I think the main concern is our concentration on the pitch. Of course, Corinthians are a big team, with great players, but our team has understood that when they are concentrated and try to do their job in the best way, they play great matches. So, concentration is our main concern,” said the number 29.
Romero celebrated his consistency at the Brasileirão and the club’s return to the forefront.
“I consider it a positive season, in which we have learned a lot. The important thing is that we have achieved the objective set for the year, which was to qualify directly for the Libertadores 2026. It is logical that Cruzeiro is a team that deserves much more, that deserves to fight for titles and achievements, and today we see the team competing for that again. It is important and fills us with pride”, he emphasized.
Finally, Fabrício Bruno praised the team’s defensive solidity, the second best in the championship, with only 31 goals conceded, and attributed the success to the team’s relationship with Lucas Villalba.
“It’s difficult to talk about just one player in such a wonderful year. The squad is very good, but if I had to highlight someone, I would highlight the duo with Villalba. From the start, we understood each other very well and we managed to be one of the defensive pillars of the club. It’s a very united defense, in which one always tried to help the other, and that made Cruzeiro stand out,” he concluded.
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