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Match Prediction

Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ Prediction

Finished
Brazil flag Brazil
Serie A

Cruzeiro

€126.15m

4 Dec17:30
2 : 2

Botafogo RJ

€140.15m

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Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ Prediction Serie A

Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ Prediction: Stats, Betting Tips & Storylines

If you’re looking for a Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ prediction that goes beyond the numbers and brings the story to life, you’re in the right place. This match, set for December 4, 2025, at the famous Governador Magalhães Pinto stadium, is more than just a late-season fixture—it's a meeting between two of Brazil’s most storied clubs with plenty on the line and a rich head to head history. Let’s break down what makes this game so intriguing, from tactics and team news to the best betting tips, all in a style that’s easy to follow and ready for translation.

Background: Streaks, Stats, and What’s at Stake

As we head into Round 37 of the Brasileirão Betano, Cruzeiro sit comfortably in 3rd place, while Botafogo RJ are pushing hard in 6th. Both teams have plenty to play for, and the head to head record is a story in itself:

  • Cruzeiro have 17 wins in 41 meetings, Botafogo RJ have 11, and there have been 13 draws.
  • Recent history? Cruzeiro are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Botafogo RJ, with 5 wins and 5 draws in the last 10.
  • The last meeting, on August 3, 2025, saw Cruzeiro win 2-0 away.

Both clubs are in strong form. Cruzeiro haven’t lost in 10 Serie A games, keeping 5 clean sheets in their last 7, and recently thumped Corinthians 3-0. They average 1.6 goals for and just 0.6 against per game.

Botafogo RJ, meanwhile, are on a 7-match unbeaten run, with 4 wins and 3 draws. They’ve scored in every one of their last two wins and average 1.9 goals per game, conceding 0.9.

Tactics, Lineups, and Players to Watch

Expect both sides to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. For Cruzeiro, Leonardo Jardim’s likely lineup will see Cássio in goal, with a back four of William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, and Kaiki. Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva will anchor the midfield, while Christian, Matheus Pereira, and Marquinhos support star striker Kaio Jorge.

Botafogo RJ, managed by Davide Ancelotti, should have John Victor in goal, Vitinho and Alex Telles at full-back, and Allan and Marlon Freitas shielding the defense. Artur, Álvaro Montoro, and Jefferson Savarino will look to feed Arthur Cabral up front.

  • Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro): 21 goals, 7 assists in 2025. He’s the man to watch.
  • Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro): 5 assists in his last 10 games.
  • Artur (Botafogo RJ): 5 goals, 4 assists. Dangerous from anywhere.
  • Supporting cast: Igor Jesus, Alex Telles, Cuiabano, and Jefferson Savarino all have at least 5 goals for Botafogo RJ.

Injuries are always a factor, but as of now, both squads look close to full strength, though it’s worth checking closer to kick-off for any late developments.

Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ Prediction & Betting Tips

Now, let’s get to the heart of our Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ prediction, powered by our AI’s analysis of head to head stats, current form, and betting odds.

  1. 1X (Home Win or Draw): At odds of 1.31, this is our most valuable bet, with a trust score of 6.6/10. Cruzeiro’s unbeaten run against Botafogo RJ (13 games and counting) and their strong home form make this a smart choice.
  2. 1x2 Prediction: Home Win: The straight home win is priced at 2.18, with a trust score of 5.6. Cruzeiro’s recent 2-0 away win over Botafogo RJ and their ability to grind out results in big games tip the scales their way.
  3. Under 3.5 Goals: Odds of 1.29 and a trust score of 4.1. Both teams are solid defensively, and with so much at stake, expect a tactical battle with limited fireworks.

Our predicted final score is 2:1 to Cruzeiro, with a 1:1 half-time score. Expect the home side to edge possession (56% to 44%), take more shots (13 to 11), and win more corners (6 to 4). On the discipline front, Cruzeiro are expected to pick up 3 yellow cards, Botafogo RJ 2.

Key Takeaways for Your Betting Slip

  • Cruzeiro’s unbeaten head to head streak is hard to ignore.
  • Both teams are in form, but Cruzeiro’s defense gives them the edge.
  • Backing 1X or Under 3.5 Goals looks like the safest play.

In summary, our Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ prediction leans towards the home side continuing their dominance, but with both teams showing attacking quality, expect a competitive, tight game. Whether you’re a stats lover or just here for the betting tips, this one promises drama right to the final whistle.

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AI Predictions
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Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for Cruzeiro vs Botafogo RJ

1X -323

Cruzeiro to win or draw with odds of -323
6/10

1x2 Tip

1 118

Cruzeiro is expected to win with odds of 122
5/10

Total Goals

Under 3.5 -345

No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match
4/10

Both Teams To Score

Yes -118

Both teams are expected to score
1/10

Bet Builder Tip

1X&U4.5 -204

Home win/draw and under 4.5 goals
4/10
Both Teams To Score

Correct Score

2:1

Stats Predictions

1.17
xG
0.94
56%
Ball Possession
44%
13
Total Shots
11
5
Shots on Goal
3
5
Shots Off Goal
4
6
Corners
4
3
Yellow Cards
2

Average / Match

1.21
Expected Goals
1.37
2.1
Total Goals
2.8
1.4
Goals Scored
1.5
0.7
Goals Against
1.3
52%
Possession
49%
13.6
Total Shots
15
5.4
Shots on Goal
5.1
5.5
Shots off Goal
5.5
13.6
Fouls
15.1
6.4
Corners
5.3
1.6
Offsides
1.8
3.3
Yellow Cards
2.8
373
Total Passes
402

Overview Last 10 Matches

4
Wins
4
6
Over 1.5 Goals
8
3
Over 2.5 Goals
6
2
Over 3.5 Goals
4
5
Both Teams Scored
4
0
Unexpected Wins
0
0
Unexpected Loses
0

Head to Head

Cruzeiro
12 - 10 - 5
Botafogo RJ
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ 03-Aug-25
0:2
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ 28-Jul-24
0:3
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro 14-Apr-24
3:2
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ 03-Dec-23
0:0
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro 06-Aug-23
0:0
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro 13-Oct-21
0:0
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ 10-Jul-21
3:3
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ 01-Nov-19
0:2
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro 14-Jul-19
0:0
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ
Botafogo RJ Botafogo RJ 05-Sep-18
1:1
Cruzeiro Cruzeiro

Profile time Recent Matches of Cruzeiro

15 Jan Tombense Tombense.
-
Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro
10 JanL Cruzeiro Cruzeiro.
1:2
Pouso Alegre. Pouso Alegre
14 DecW Corinthians Corinthians.
1:2
Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro
11 DecL Cruzeiro Cruzeiro.
0:1
Corinthians. Corinthians
07 DecL Santos Santos.
3:0
Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro
04 DecD Cruzeiro Cruzeiro.
2:2
Botafogo RJ. Botafogo RJ
30 NovD Ceara Ceara.
1:1
Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro
23 NovW Cruzeiro Cruzeiro.
3:0
Corinthians. Corinthians
20 NovD Juventude Juventude.
3:3
Cruzeiro. Cruzeiro
09 NovD Cruzeiro Cruzeiro.
0:0
Fluminense. Fluminense

Profile time Recent Matches of Botafogo RJ

15 JanPortuguesa Portuguesa.
-
Botafogo RJ.Botafogo RJ
07 DecWBotafogo RJ Botafogo RJ.
4:2
Fortaleza.Fortaleza
04 DecDCruzeiro Cruzeiro.
2:2
Botafogo RJ.Botafogo RJ
30 NovDCorinthians Corinthians.
2:2
Botafogo RJ.Botafogo RJ
22 NovWBotafogo RJ Botafogo RJ.
3:2
Gremio.Gremio
18 NovWBotafogo RJ Botafogo RJ.
3:2
Sport Recife.Sport Recife
09 NovDVitoria Vitoria.
0:0
Botafogo RJ.Botafogo RJ
05 NovWBotafogo RJ Botafogo RJ.
3:0
Vasco.Vasco
01 NovDMirassol Mirassol.
0:0
Botafogo RJ.Botafogo RJ
26 OctDBotafogo RJ Botafogo RJ.
2:2
Santos.Santos

Brazil - Serie A Brazil - Serie A

Team Matches Goals Points
1 Flamengo Flamengo37
75-24
78
2 Palmeiras Palmeiras37
63-32
73
3 Cruzeiro Cruzeiro36
53-26
69
4 Mirassol Mirassol37
60-36
66
5 Fluminense Fluminense37
48-39
61
6 Bahia Bahia37
50-44
60
7 Botafogo Botafogo36
52-34
59
8 Sao Paulo Sao Paulo37
43-46
51
9 RB Bragantino RB Bragantino37
44-54
48
10 Corinthians Corinthians37
41-46
46
11 Gremio Gremio37
43-50
46
12 Vasco DA Gama Vasco DA Gama37
55-55
45
13 Atletico-MG Atletico-MG37
38-44
45
14 Santos Santos37
42-50
44
15 Ceara Ceara37
33-37
43
16 Fortaleza EC Fortaleza EC37
41-54
43
17 Vitoria Vitoria37
34-52
42
18 Internacional Internacional37
41-56
41
19 Juventude Juventude37
34-68
34
20 Sport Recife Sport Recife37
28-71
17
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