Botafogo vs. Cruzeiro Preview and Betting Odds

Last Updated on agosto 1, 2025 12:57 pm by Erwin Noguera

This weekend, as part of Matchday 18 of the Brasileirão, we’ll have a great showdown between two league title contenders: Botafogo and Cruzeiro.

Botafogo has been climbing the table and remains on a solid unbeaten run, although they were held to a 1–1 home draw against Corinthians in their most recent match.

Cruzeiro, meanwhile, was upset at home by Ceará in a 2–1 loss, which also cost them the top spot in the standings.

Informações e probabilidades de apostas Botafogo x Cruzeiro

Por que apostar no Botafogo?

Botafogo, the 2024 Brasileirão champions, are aiming to defend and repeat their title. With 26 points, they currently sit in sixth place, 10 points behind Flamengo, but they have one game in hand. Their record so far includes seven wins, five draws, and three losses.

They arrive at this match on an eight-game unbeaten run, with five of those being victories. Last weekend, they drew 1–1 at home against Corinthians, with goals from Arthur Cabral for the hosts and Memphis Depay for the visitors.

Offensively, Botafogo needs improvement, having scored just 18 goals. Defensively, however, they’ve been excellent. Conceding only eight goals, the second-fewest in the league. At home, they remain unbeaten with four wins and three draws, though two of those draws have come in their last two home matches.

Earlier this week, they faced RB Bragantino in the Round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil and won 2–0, with goals from Álvaro Montoro and Alexander Barboza.

Danilo, their major signing who cost $27 million from Nottingham Forest, remains sidelined with injury, along with Jeffinho, Bastos, and Danilo Barbosa.

Por que apostar no Cruzeiro?

Cruzeiro felt last weekend’s defeat more than ever. Not only did they lose 2–1 at home to Ceará, but they also surrendered the top spot to Flamengo. They now sit second with 34 points, two behind ‘Mengão,’ who still have a game in hand. Their record stands at 10 wins, four draws, and three losses.

With 28 goals scored, they boast the second-best attack in the Brasileirão, led by standout striker Kaio Jorge. The 23-year-old tops the scoring charts with 13 goals and also has four assists, just one behind the league leaders in that category, which includes Matheus Pereira.

Defensively, they’ve also been strong, conceding only 11 goals, the third-best in the league.

On the road, after starting with two losses and a draw in their first three away matches, Cruzeiro have bounced back. Since then, they’ve secured three wins and two draws, including a recent tie against Corinthians.

They’re coming off a scoreless draw against Série B side CRB in the Copa do Brasil. The good news for manager Leonardo Jardim is that he currently has no injured players.

Análise Final das Apostas: Botafogo x Cruzeiro

A great matchup between two teams with championship aspirations. It’s expected to be a very even game, despite Cruzeiro’s recent loss; both sides have shown strong performances and positive results lately. We believe it will end in a draw, which wouldn’t benefit either team.

As probabilidades em Troca de Gambila favor Botafogo, with their Moneyline at +116, while Cruzeiro are at +279, and a draw at +218.

The last time these teams faced each other was on July 27 of last year, at this same stadium, where Cruzeiro crushed their opponent 0-3 with goals from William, Lautaro Díaz, and Álvaro Barreal. The ‘Nação Azul’ is on a two-game winning streak and has gone 13 matches unbeaten with five victories. The last time Botafogo defeated them was on September 11, 2016—and the previous home win came back in 2013.

Go for a draw in the Moneyline. If you bet $100 at +218, you will gain $218 for a total payout of $318.

Botafogo vs. Cruzeiro Betting Pick: Empate