# Cruzeiro's pursuit of Copa Libertadores qualification

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cruzeiro-campeonato-brasileiro-srie-a-campaign
> Updated: 2026-10-19T21:03:14.000Z. Sources: 79. Developments: 5.

Cruzeiro’s pursuit of direct qualification for the 2027 Copa Libertadores has seen significant fluctuations. Following a 4-2 defeat to Red Bull Bragantino in the 30th round, which left the club in 6th place, Cruzeiro prepared for a 28th-round clash against Vitória at the Barradão stadium. Heading into that fixture, Cruzeiro sought to bolster its defense with the return of center-back Jonathan Jesus from a leg injury, though midfielder Lucas Romero remained a doubt due to calf discomfort.

Cruzeiro later regained momentum with a 4-2 comeback victory against Grêmio, a result that returned the team to the top four of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Kaio Jorge led the scoring with three goals, supported by a goal from João Marcelo. Following the win, captain Lucas Romero delivered a speech to the squad regarding the responsibility of the club’s jersey and the need for humility and effort during the season's final stages.

The club now faces a critical period consisting of four consecutive home matches in Belo Horizonte against Remo, Atlético-MG, Bahia, and Palmeiras as they continue their push for a Libertadores qualification spot.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Cruzeiro returns to top four after victory over Grêmio

Cruzeiro returned to the Campeonato Brasileiro top four after defeating Grêmio 4-2, setting up a crucial run of home matches to secure a 2027 Copa Libertadores spot.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruzeiro-returns-to-top-four-after-victory-over-grmio

### 2026-10-11: Red Bull Bragantino wins against Cruzeiro and Ferroviária

Red Bull Bragantino achieved dual success, defeating Cruzeiro 4-2 in the Brasileirão and securing a 2-0 away win for their women's team against Ferroviária in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruzeiro-prepares-for-bragantino-clash-with-z-lucas-expected-to-start

### 2026-10-07: Cruzeiro defeats São Paulo 2-0 to enter G4

Cruzeiro beat São Paulo 2-0 at the Mineirão, moving into the G4 of the Campeonato Brasileiro, while São Paulo remains in 11th place amid concerns over their away form and defensive stability.

37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruzeiro-and-so-paulo-face-off-in-brasileiro-clash

### 2026-10-04: Cruzeiro targets Copa Libertadores qualification in Brasileiro Serie A

Cruzeiro sits sixth in the Brasileiro Serie A and is targeting a G-4 finish to secure direct qualification for the 2027 Copa Libertadores ahead of their match against Sao Paulo.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruzeiro-targets-copa-libertadores-qualification-in-brasileiro-serie-a

### 2026-09-16: Vitória and Cruzeiro prepare for Série A clash at Barradão

Vitória aims to end a 16-year Série A drought against Cruzeiro this Sunday, as both teams prepare key roster updates for the 28th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruzeiro-and-vitria-prepare-for-campeonato-brasileiro-clash

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Cite as: Cruzeiro's pursuit of Copa Libertadores qualification. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cruzeiro-campeonato-brasileiro-srie-a-campaign