Fortaleza and Corinthians face each other this Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 7pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, for the 37th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The duel gains extra attention due to the absence of Memphis Depay in the Timão, which is fighting to remain in the middle zone of the table. The match takes place with the expectation of a high audience at the Ceará stadium.
Fortaleza enters the field under pressure to gain points and avoid relegation, occupying 18th position with 40 points. The team is on a positive streak, with three straight wins.
Corinthians, in ninth place with 46 points, prioritizes the Copa semifinal of Brasil and chooses to spare key athletes. Dorival Júnior adjusts the team, focusing on rotation.
Absences mark the confrontation: in Leão, João Ricardo, Marinho and Bruno Pacheco are out due to injury; in Alvinegro, Matheuzinho suspended and Memphis Depay recovering from bone edema in the left knee, unfit to play.
Escalation of Fortaleza with Palermo
Martín Palermo maintains the base that beat Atlético-MG 1-0.
The midfield prioritizes control with Pierre and Sasha, while the attack exploits speed with Lopes and Bareiro. The official formation is:
- Brenno; Mancuso (C), Brítez, Gastón Ávila and Diogo Barbosa; Pierre, Lucas Sasha and Pochettino; Herrera, Breno Lopes and Adam Bareiro.
Palermo values the support of the fans, with tickets sold out for more than 50 thousand spectators. The strategy involves initial pressure to dictate the pace.
Formation of Corinthians under Dorival
Dorival Júnior confirms changes to preserve energy for other commitments. Hugo Souza returns to goal, with experienced defense from Ramalho and Henrique.
Midfield mixes youth of Bidon with experience of Maycon. Ataque counts with Gui Negão and Dieguinho.
The official lineup includes: Hugo Souza; André Ramalho, Cacá, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu; Maycon (C), Breno Bidon and André; Vitinho, Dieguinho and Gui Negão.
Absence of Memphis Depay in Timão
Memphis Depay, Dutch striker signed as a star, misses Corinthians due to an injury to his left knee. The player has six goals in 22 matches for the club this season.
The injury, diagnosed as bone edema, requires a physical transition and takes him away from the duel. Depay, ex-Manchester United and Barcelona, expressed frustration on social media, but focuses on a quick return.
Without him, Dorival bets on young players from the base to supply the offensive creation. The absence impacts the black and white firepower, which loses a key finisher.
Other absences include Yuri Alberto, with edema in the pubic region, and Rodrigo Garro, with muscle strain. The coach emphasizes collective adaptation to compensate for casualties.
Where to watch the match live
Broadcast available on closed TV and streaming platforms nationwide. Cobertura starts at 6:30 pm with analyses.
- SporTV: Transmissão with specialized comments and replays.
- Premiere: Serviço pay-per-view with a focus on tactical details.
- Globoplay: Opção online for subscribers on multiple devices.
Arbitration led by Savio Pereira Sampaio (DF), with VAR by Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira (SC). Equipe of assistants completes the picture.
Historical retrospective of the clashes
Teams met 37 times, with 20 Corinthians victories, seven Tricolors and ten draws. In the round, a 1-1 draw at São Paulo.
In Castelão, balance: seven local victories, eight visitors and three draws in 18 games. Último local clash ended 2-0 for Fortaleza at Sul-Americana.
Adam Bareiro, with five goals for Fortaleza, can decide. Pelo Timão, Ángel Romero, on the bench, has a positive record against the rival.
Average goals in direct duels is 2.3 per match. Última black and white victory in Ceará occurred in 2023, 1-0.
Game conditions and refereeing
Castelão lawn in ideal condition after recent care. Previsão indicates 28°C, low humidity and light winds.
Savio Pereira Sampaio records an average of 4.5 cards per game in 2025.
Reserve bench and tactics
Fortaleza lists 12 substitutes, with options such as Tinga and Lucero for offensive changes.
- Substitutes: V. Silvestre, Tinga, Lucero, Kuscevic, Deyverson,
Corinthians takes versatility, prioritizing base. Banco includes Romero for impact.
- Substitutes: Felipe Longo, Kayke, Félix Torres, Ryan, Romero, Talles Magno,
Changes expected after the break, with coaches adjusting according to the score. Local Torcida presses for a positive result.
Outlook for the end of the round
Fortaleza’s victory reaches 43 points, bringing them closer to remaining in the elite. Empate favors Corinthians in the search for G-8.
Technicians demand concentration, despite the tight schedule. Palermo celebrates recent unbeaten record, Dorival warns of opponent transitions.
The atmosphere in the locker rooms reflects determination: extra training sessions at Leão, simulations at Timão. Último home game of the year cheers up Ceará.
