Cruzeiro participated in the Vitória Cup, a friendly tournament held in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, as part of their preparation for the resumption of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro. In their first match after the Club World Cup break, Cruzeiro lost 1-0 to Argentine side Defensa y Justicia. The team, managed by Leonardo Jardim, fielded a largely altered lineup but struggled to make an impact. Defensa y Justicia later secured another victory in the tournament by defeating Desportiva Ferroviária 2-1. In the final match of the Vitória Cup, Cruzeiro faced another Argentine team, Banfield, and won 1-0 with a goal scored by Matheus Pereira in the first half. Jardim expressed satisfaction with the team's progress throughout the tournament, noting improvement compared to the initial loss. Cruzeiro concluded the Vitória Cup by claiming the trophy and now focuses on the upcoming Campeonato Brasileiro.