Cruzeiro and Corinthians begin the semi-final of Copa of Striker Gabigol is listed and confirmed in Cruzeiro’s starting lineup, after intense training that ensured his full physical condition. The first game defines the advantage for the return, scheduled for December 14th at Neo Química Arena.
Cruzeiro, the biggest winner of the competition with six titles, arrives undefeated in Copa of Brasil, with six games without goals conceded. The team eliminated Vila Nova, CRB and Atlético-MG in the previous phases, driven by offensive contributions. Corinthians is looking for the fourth trophy, after advancing with victories over Novorizontino, Palmeiras and Athletico-PR, maintaining a solid defense.
Sold out tickets fill the Mineirão, with initial pressure from the miners expected.
Broadcasts cover varied platforms for fans.
- Globo: national open TV.
- SporTV: Closed TV with exclusive narration.
- Premiere: pay-per-view for subscribers.
- ge TV: streaming on YouTube.
- Amazon Prime Video: digital option.
ge offers Tempo Real with videos and bids.
Confirmation of Gabigol in the celestial lineup
Gabigol trained normally with the group the day before and was named as a starter by Leonardo Jardim, replacing Kaio Jorge in attack. The 29-year-old striker, signed in 2025, has two goals in Copa of Brasil and experience in decisions.
The confirmation came in Cruzeiro’s official announcement about an hour before the whistle, prioritizing their decision-making capacity in knockout stages. Gabigol, ex-Flamengo, has a record of goals against Corinthians, with three in direct confrontations.
Its inclusion reinforces the 4-2-3-1 scheme, with a focus on infiltrations and aerial balls in the Mineirão.
Leonardo Jardim strategies for confrontation
Leonardo Jardim preserved the squad in the last round of Brasileirão, guaranteeing freshness for the semi-final. The training sessions emphasized ball possession and high marking, with Gabigol simulating shots.
Cruzeiro finished third in the national championship, securing a place in Libertadores. Jardim highlighted the fans as an extra factor, aiming for a favorable score for the second leg.
The coach adjusted the midfield to contain black and white counterattacks, with Romero and Silva as pivots.
Confirmed formations and absences
Cruzeiro adopts 4-2-3-1, with Gabigol in charge of attack. Dúvida resolved between Arroyo and Sinisterra, with the Ecuadorian at the tip.
Cruzeiro confirmed lineup: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki Bruno; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva; Matheus Pereira, Christian, Arroyo; Gabigol.
Hanging: Lucas Romero and William.
- Embezzlement: Wanderson (suspended), Fagner (contract clause), Marquinhos and Janderson (injured).
- Kauã Moraes out for defending Athletico-PR in the competition.
Corinthians arrives with a full cast, under Dorival Júnior. Raniele is doubtful due to ankle, but Yuri Alberto and Garro return.
Probable lineup for Corinthians: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Bidu; José Martínez, Maycon; André Carrillo, Breno Bidon; Memphis Depay, Yuri Alberto.
Hanging: Matheuzinho and Rodrigo Garro.
Dorival prioritizes physical intensity in the middle.
Escalated referee team
Anderson Daronco whistles the central position, with experience in 15 games this season and an average of four cards per match. The referee from Rio Grande do Sul commanded previous CBF semifinals.
Assistants: Rafael from Silva Alves and Maíra Mastella Moreira. VAR: Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira, from Santa Catarina. Quarto referee: Fernando Antônio Mendes from Salles Nascimento Filho, from Pará.
The CBF designated the quartet as neutral in a balanced duel.
The regulations provide for 180 minutes in aggregate, with an away goal as a tiebreaker.
Teams’ trajectory to the semi-finals
Cruzeiro overcame Vila Nova 5-0 in the third stage, with convincing victories at home and away. Nas round of 16, 2-0 over CRB consolidated the defensive unbeaten record.
In the quarterfinals, Atlético-MG was eliminated 4-0 on aggregate, including a classic with no goals conceded. Gabigol played in three games, with decisive assists.
Corinthians started with 3-0 against Novorizontino in the round of 16, followed by 2-0 against Palmeiras.
In the quarterfinals, 2-1 over Athletico-PR, maintaining clean sheets in all knockouts.
Prizes and final calendar
The champion earns R$77.175 million, plus a place in the group stage of Libertadores 2026. The vice-president receives R$33.075 million.
The final takes place on December 17th and 21st, with the team with the best campaign going to the final.
Vasco x Fluminense plays the first leg on Thursday, December 11th, at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.
The tournament distributed R$500 million in total prizes to 80 participating clubs.
