Cruzeiro and Corinthians begin the semifinal of Copa of Brasil this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 9:30 pm at Brasília time, at Estádio Mineirão, at Goalkeeper Hugo Souza is listed and appears in the probable Corinthians lineup, after regular training without restrictions, although the official formation has not been released by coach Dorival Júnior. The first game seeks an advantage for the return, scheduled for December 14th at Neo Química Arena.
Cruzeiro, third placed in Brasileirão 2025, advances undefeated in the competition, with six matches without goals conceded and eliminations of Vila Nova, CRB and Atlético-MG. Kaio Jorge has five goals as the team’s top scorer. Corinthians, 13th in the national championship, also maintains a zero defense in the tournament, after victories over Novorizontino, Palmeiras and Athletico-PR.
The winner faces the classified Vasco x Fluminense in the final.
Streams include open and paid options for broad coverage.
- Globo: national open TV.
- SporTV: Closed TV with narration.
- Premiere: detailed pay-per-view.
- ge TV: streaming on YouTube.
- Amazon Prime Video: online access.
ge offers Tempo Real with bidding videos.
Physical form of Hugo Souza in Corinthians
Hugo Souza participated in all training sessions during the week, including ball activities on the eve of the trip to Belo Horizonte. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, signed in 2025, records an average of 3.2 saves per game in the Brasileirão and clean sheets in four matches in the Copa of the Brasil.
The official lineup must be announced one hour before the whistle, but he will start as a starter in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Souza overcame a slight ankle sprain in November and reinforces his confidence with precise ball releases.
His presence in the black goal increases defensive stability, especially in aerial duels against Kaio Jorge.
Corinthians preparation for the challenge
Dorival Júnior prioritized the squad’s recovery on Tuesday, focusing on defensive positioning. The team tested variations in the midfield during the session at Mineirão.
Corinthians drew in the last round of Brasileirão, but the unbeaten record in Copa of Brasil maintains optimism. Júnior emphasized the importance of Hugo Souza in quick transitions.
The trip included tactical analysis of Cruzeiro, highlighting crosses for the Minas Gerais attack.
Probable teams and confirmed absences
Corinthians continues with 4-2-3-1, with Hugo Souza in the arc. Dúvida in the middle between Maycon and Garro, both suitable.
Probable team of 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.
- Absences: Raniele (ankle pain); no suspensions.
- Bank: Garro, Gui Negão and André Luiz.
The Cruzeiro uses holders, with doubt between Arroyo and Sinisterra.
Probable team of Cruzeiro: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki Bruno; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva; Matheus Pereira, Christian, Arroyo (Sinisterra); Kaio Jorge.
Hanging: Kaio Jorge, Lucas Romero and William.
- Embezzlement: Wanderson (suspended), Fagner (clause), Marquinhos and Janderson (injured).
- Kauã Moraes out due to registration rules.
Leonardo Jardim bets on initial pressure with the fans.
Arbitration scheduled for the duel
Anderson Daronco commands the central whistle, with experience in 15 games this season and an average of four cards. The referee from Rio Grande do Sul acted in recent CBF knockouts.
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 team guarantees impartial inspection. Regulamento considers 180 aggregate minutes, with an away goal as the criterion.
Undefeated path of the teams in the tournament
Cruzeiro eliminated Vila Nova 5-0 in the third phase, dominating Belo Horizonte and Goiânia. Nas round of 16, 2-0 over CRB preserved the defense.
In the quarterfinals, 4-0 on aggregate against Atlético-MG, with a classic with no goals conceded.
Kaio Jorge scored in four games, supported by assists from Matheus Pereira.
Corinthians beat Novorizontino 3-0 in the round of 16, with Hugo Souza making crucial saves. Contra o Palmeiras, 2-0 in the first leg, advanced the stage.
In the quarterfinals, 2-1 over Athletico-PR, maintaining clean sheets in six duels.
Awards and final dates
Champion earns R$77.175 million, plus a place in Libertadores 2026. Vice receives R$33.075 million.
Final scheduled for December 17th and 21st, with the order for the best campaign.
Vasco x Fluminense plays on Thursday, December 11th, at 9:30 pm on Maracanã.
The tournament transferred a total of R$500 million to 80 participating clubs.
