Cruzeiro and Corinthians face each other this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in the first leg of the semi-final of the Copa of the Brasil, at the Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto, known as Mineirão, at The game starts at 9:30 pm Brasília time, equivalent to 00:30 UTC on Thursday, December 11, and marks the reunion of traditional rivals in the national competition. Raposa seeks advantage at home to advance to the final, while Timão aims to balance the confrontation for the return in Neo Química Arena.
The clash is part of the decisive phase of the tournament, sponsored by Betano, with the winner facing Fluminense or Vasco in the decision, scheduled for December 17th and 21st. Cruzeiro arrives undefeated in Copa from Brasil, with five wins and a draw in six games, with no goals conceded. Corinthians, in turn, eliminated Athletico-PR in the quarterfinals and needs the title to guarantee a place in Libertadores 2026.
- Live broadcast on multiple platforms: Globo on open TV, SporTV on closed TV, Premiere on pay-per-view and ge.globo on free streaming via YouTube.
- Central referee: Anderson Daronco (RS), with VAR commanded by Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira (SC).
- Mineirão capacity: around 62 thousand fans, with tickets sold out for the duel.
Leonardo Jardim, coach of Cruzeiro, confirms starting lineup after saving players at Brasileirão. The Minas Gerais team relies on solid defense and a fast attack to put pressure on the opponent from the start.
Escalations and absences
Cruzeiro enters the field with Cássio in goal, a defensive line formed by William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba and Kaiki Bruno. In the middle, Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva anchor, with Matheus Pereira in the frame next to Christian and Arroyo. Kaio Jorge completes the attack, scoring five goals in the competition.
The Corinthians, under Dorival Júnior, must prioritize tactical balance. Hugo Souza defends, with Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu bringing up the rear. José Martínez and Maycon on the steering wheel, André Carrillo and Breno Bidon on the support, and Memphis Depay next to
Embezzlements worry Paulistas: Raniele feels his ankle and can be spared, while Cruzeiro has returns like Ambas the teams tested formations in closed training the day before.
Recent head-to-head history
The teams faced each other seven times in the Copa of the Brasil, with a heavenly advantage: four wins for the Cruzeiro, two for the Corinthians and a draw. The last duel was the 2018 final, won by Raposa 1-0 on aggregate.
At Brasileirão 2025, Cruzeiro beat Corinthians 3-0 in November, with goals from Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge. Esses results indicate recent Minas Gerais dominance, but Timão have won two of the last five overall games.
2025 stats show Cruzeiro with 89 goals in all competitions, an average of 1.83 in Copa. Corinthians scored 11 times in the tournament, with Yuri Alberto as top scorer.
Tactical strategies for the first game
Cruzeiro adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation for high pressing, exploiting an average ball possession of 58% at home. Jardim emphasizes fast transitions, with Romero on marking and Pereira on creation.
Corinthians prefers a defensive 4-3-3, with counterattacks via Depay and Alberto. Dorival focuses on compression, limiting spaces in midfield, where Maycon is key.
Data from Sofascore shows Cruzeiro with 12 shots per game in Copa, against 9 from the rival. Posse average favors Raposa over Belo Horizonte.
The clash tests resistance: Cruzeiro is looking for the seventh title, the last one in 2018; Corinthians wants the fourth, since 2009. Prêmio of R$ 25 million to the champion boosts strategies.
Individual highlights on the field
Kaio Jorge leads the Cruzeiro with five goals in the Copa, scoring in four straight games. Sua movement in the area creates chances, with 21 goals this year.
Yuri Alberto responds for Corinthians, with three goals in the tournament. The striker averages 1.2 shots per decisive match.
Matheus Pereira, celestial captain, adds key assists, while Memphis Depay brings speed to Timão, with two recent goals.
These players define moments: Jorge in infiltrations, Alberto in pivots.
Detailed streaming options
Fans access the game via Globo on an open network for all of Brasil. SporTV and Premiere offer exclusive narration on pay TV.
On digital, ge.globo broadcasts free on the app and YouTube, with ge TV on multiple screens. Amazon Prime Video covers via paid streaming.
Internationally, channels like ESPN broadcast in selected regions, with audio in Portuguese.
Platforms include features such as attack timing and real-time statistics.
Expectations and arbitration
Anderson Daronco referees the duel, with assistants Rafael from Silva Alves and Maíra Mastella Moreira. VAR guarantees accuracy in controversial moves.
Cruzeiro aims for a two-goal lead for the return match on December 14, at 6pm, at São Paulo. Corinthians plans a draw with goals.
With the fox’s invincibility at Copa, the game promises balance, but a full house at Mineirão favors the host.
