Cruzeiro Desperate for Points as Mushuc Runa Visit Behind Closed Doors

Cruzeiro will host Ecuadorian side Mushuc Runa on Wednesday night in Belo Horizonte, aiming to secure their first points in this year’s Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian giants opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Unión Santa Fe and are reeling from a 3-0 domestic defeat to Internacional just days ago.

The pressure is mounting on Leonardo Jardim’s squad, who will be playing in an empty Mineirao after being sanctioned by CONMEBOL for flare-throwing incidents during last year’s semifinal against Lanús. Cruzeiro will rely on striker Gabriel Barbosa, who has scored six times in ten appearances so far this season, to spark a turnaround.

While their attacking options remain promising, Cruzeiro’s biggest concern lies at the back. Defensive inconsistencies have plagued the team in recent weeks, and improvement will be vital against a spirited Mushuc Runa side.

The Ecuadorian club, led by veteran Paraguayan coach Ever Hugo Almeida, is riding high after a thrilling 3-2 win over Palestino in their first-ever group stage appearance. Luis Haquín, Renny Simisterra, and Mauricio Alonso were the scorers in what marked Mushuc Runa’s maiden international victory.

Wednesday’s match will also be historic for the visitors, as it marks their first official fixture on Brazilian soil. Kickoff for the Group E clash is set for 9:30 p.m. local time at the Mineirao Stadium, with Paraguayan referee Mario Díaz officiating.