Cruzeiro and Universidad Catolica will meet in the final round of Copa Sudamericana group stages on Friday, 31 May.
With the first place in the group on the line, who will prevail in this match? Find out by reading our Cruzeiro vs U. Catolica prediction and preview right here.
Contents
Cruzeiro vs U. Catolica prediction: Cruzeiro to claim the top spot
Key Stats
- Cruzeiro have won four games in a row in all competitions.
- Universidad Catolica have failed to win in their last four matches across the board.
- The first duel between these teams has ended without any goals.
- Cruzeiro have gone under 2.5 total goals in three of their last five games.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Cruzeiro backed by the bookies
- HOME: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.20%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.00%
- AWAY: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.40%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
We can see from these Cruzeiro vs U. Catolica odds that the hosts are the expected winners despite currently being behind Universidad in the group standings.
However, Crueziro enter this match in much better form and with a chance to over take U. Catolica at the top. Along with their home-court advantage, we can see why they're seen as the more likely winners.
Anyhow, if you liked our predictions for this duel, make sure to also look at our top betting tips for today as well.
Last five H2Hs: Second-ever meeting for these teams
The scoreless draw in Ecuador earlier this season was the first time Universidad Catolica and Cruzeiro have met each other.
Meanwhile, Cruzeiro have a record of 8-3-2 against Ecuadorian teams, while Universidad Catolica have lost all four matches they played against teams from Brazil before their draw with Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro preview: Gunning for the top
If they can beat U. Catolica in their upcoming duel, Cruzeiro will finish at the top of their group in Copa Sudamericana and ensure they continue the competition from the Round of 16. Overall, it's been a good season so far for Cruzeiro since they've only lost once in Serie A and Copa Sudamericana combined.
Predicted Lineup: Anderson (GK), Marlon, Marcelo, Ivaldo, Furtado, Barreal, Romero, L. Silva, Gomes, R. Silva & Pereira
Brazil Serie A 11/05/25
W
Sport Recife
0
Cruzeiro
4
Copa Sudamericana 08/05/25
D
Mushuc Runa
1
Cruzeiro
1
Brazil Serie A 04/05/25
W
Flamengo
1
Cruzeiro
2
Copa do Brasil 02/05/25
W
Vila Nova
0
Cruzeiro
2
Brazil Serie A 27/04/25
W
Vasco da Gama
0
Cruzeiro
1
Universidad Catolica preview: Hoping to defend first place in the group
With three wins and two draws, along with just one goal conceded, U. Catolica enter the final round of Copa Sudamericana with two points more than Cruzeiro, their next opponent. So, they can secure the top spot just by avoiding a loss. However, Universidad enter this match on a rough run of four games without a win and two losses in a row.
Predicted Lineup: Romo (GK), Anangono, Vallecilla, Grillo, Loor, Clavijo, Ruales, Montagnoli, Cifuentes, M. Diaz & I. Diaz
Ecuador LigaPro Serie A 11/05/25
D
Barcelona Guayaquil
2
Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
2
Copa Sudamericana 07/05/25
W
Cerro Largo
1
Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
3
Ecuador LigaPro Serie A 03/05/25
D
Tecnico Universitario
1
Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
1
Ecuador LigaPro Serie A 29/04/25
L
Club Atletico Libertad
3
Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
1
Copa Sudamericana 25/04/25
W
Defensa y Justicia
1
Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
3
Player to watch: Matheus Pereira
With four goals in Serie A and Copa Sudamericana combined, Pereira is Cruzeiro's top scorer overall and he's our player to watch in the team's crucial duel with Universidad.
Will Pereira score first?
Of the four goals that Pereira has scored this season across the board, three times he was the first goalscorer in a match.