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 Striker Kaio Jorge is listed and appears in the Minas Gerais team’s probable lineup, but the official formation has not yet been released by coach Leonardo Jardim. The first game attracts attention due to the unbeaten defensive record of both teams in the competition.
Cruzeiro, with six titles in the history of Copa and Brasil, eliminated rivals like Atlético-MG in the quarterfinals. Kaio Jorge, the team’s top scorer with five goals in the tournament, trained normally and should act as a reference in attack. Corinthians, in turn, is looking for a fourth trophy and arrives with a squad recovered from recent injuries.
The match takes place with a full house at Mineirão, and the winner advances to the final against the classified team of Vasco x Fluminense.
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The return game is scheduled for December 14th, at 6pm, at Neo Química Arena.
Kaio Jorge’s status in the cast
Kaio The 23-year-old striker is a key player in Leonardo Jardim’s scheme, averaging one goal every 108 minutes in Copa of Brasil.
The official lineup comes out around an hour before kickoff, but sources close to the club indicate that he will start as a starter. Pendurado with a yellow card, Kaio Jorge needs to be careful to avoid suspension in the decisive match.
The player, on loan from Fenerbahçe, has a contract until June 2026 and is attracting interest from European clubs. Sua presence strengthens the Celestial attack, which has not conceded goals in six games of the tournament.
Team tactical preparations
Leonardo Jardim chose to spare the starting team in the last round of Brasileirão to prioritize the semi-final. Training at Mineirão emphasized aerial plays and crosses for Kaio Jorge.
The Corinthians, under Dorival Júnior, focused on compact marking during the trip to Belo Horizonte. The São Paulo team drew in the final round of the national championship, but remains focused on the undefeated defense in the Copa.
Both teams ended the Brasileirão with solid campaigns: Cruzeiro in third and Corinthians in 13th, but with high morale in the knockout stage.
The expectation is for a balanced game, with Cruzeiro exploiting the home advantage and Corinthians betting on quick counterattacks.
Probable lineups focusing on absences
The likely formation of Cruzeiro follows 4-2-3-1, with Kaio Jorge in command of the attack. The main doubt is between Arroyo and Sinisterra on the left end, both related.
Probable team of Cruzeiro: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki Bruno; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva; Matheus Pereira, Christian, Arroyo (Sinisterra); Kaio Jorge.
Hangings include Kaio Jorge, Lucas Romero, and William.
- Embezzlement: Wanderson (suspended), Fagner (clause), Marquinhos and Janderson (injured).
- Kauã Moraes out for having played for Athletico-PR in the competition.
Corinthians has an almost complete squad, with Yuri Alberto recovered and Raniele the only doubt due to his ankle.
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.
Dorival Júnior can adjust the midfield with Garro on the bench, prioritizing physical intensity.
Designated referee team
Anderson Daronco referees the main duel, assisted by Rafael from Silva Alves and Maíra Mastella Moreira. VAR is left with Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira, and Fernando Antônio Mendes of Salles Nascimento Filho is the fourth referee.
Daronco, with experience in classics, applied 45 cards in 12 recent CBF games.
The CBF regulations consider the aggregate of 180 minutes, with an away goal as a tiebreaker.
Recent trajectory in the competition
Cruzeiro advanced with 12 goals scored and zero conceded in the previous stages. In the third phase, they beat Vila Nova 5-0 on aggregate.
In the round of 16, a 2-0 victory over CRB, and in the quarter-finals, 4-0 against Atlético-MG.
Kaio Jorge contributed in four of the six games, with assists from Matheus Pereira.
Corinthians eliminated Novorizontino 3-0 in the round of 16, beat Palmeiras 2-0 and got past Athletico-PR 2-1 on aggregate.
The black and white defense maintained clean sheets in all knockouts.
Details of the prizes involved
The champion pockets R$77.175 million, plus a place in Libertadores 2026. The vice-president receives R$33.075 million.
The final takes place on December 17th and 21st, defining the seven-time champion.
Vasco x Fluminense plays the first leg this Thursday, December 11th, at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.
The tournament distributed R$500 million in total prizes, benefiting 80 participating clubs.
