Cruzeiro and Corinthians open the semi-final of Copa of Brasil this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 9:30 pm at Brasília time, at Estádio Mineirão, at Dutch striker Memphis Depay is listed and appears in the likely lineup for Corinthians, after recovering from bone edema in his left knee, but the official formation has not yet been announced by coach Dorival Júnior. The first match defines the advantage for the return game, scheduled for December 14th at Neo Química Arena.
Cruzeiro arrives in third place in Brasileirão 2025, undefeated in the competition with six games and zero goals conceded. The Minas Gerais team eliminated Vila Nova, CRB and Atlético-MG, with Kaio Jorge scoring five goals. Já o Corinthians, 13th in the national rankings, maintained a perfect campaign in the tournament, beating Novorizontino, Palmeiras and
The expectation involves the home factor for the Celestials and the black and white offensive creativity, led by Depay.
Streams span multiple platforms for broad access.
- Globo: open broadcast on a national network.
- SporTV: closed coverage with tactical analysis.
- Premiere: pay-per-view for exclusive details.
- ge TV: streaming on YouTube, free.
- Amazon Prime Video: digital option with subscription.
ge provides Tempo Real with bidding videos.
Recovery of Memphis Depay for the game
Memphis The 31-year-old Dutchman returned to full training on Monday and participated in collective activity on the eve of the match.
The Corinthians technical committee controlled the load to avoid relapses, prioritizing game pace in simulations. Depay, signed in July 2025, has three goals in Brasileirão and assists in Copa in Brasil.
The official lineup must be released an hour before the whistle, but he starts as a starter alongside Yuri Alberto. Sua’s presence increases the versatility of São Paulo’s attack, with dribbling and medium-range shots.
Dorival Júnior strategies on Corinthians
Dorival Júnior traveled with the full squad to Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, emphasizing high marking in training. The focus was on quick transitions, exploring the speed of Depay and Carrillo at the ends.
The team drew in the last round of Brasileirão, but the unbeaten record in Copa of Brasil boosts confidence. Júnior can adjust mid with Garro on the bench, preserving Maycon for physical combat.
The preparation included analysis of videos from Cruzeiro, highlighting weaknesses on the Minas Gerais sides. Corinthians is looking for its fourth title in the competition, with a history of overcoming in knockout stages.
Probable and hanging lineups
Corinthians adopts the 4-2-3-1, with Depay in the offensive reference. The main doubt involves Raniele, with pain in the ankle, which could lead to Martínez.
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 are Matheuzinho and Rodrigo Garro, who avoid cards for the return game.
- Absences: Nenhum due to injury or suspension; Yuri Alberto and Garro return from muscle problems.
- Options on the bench: Rodrigo Garro, Gui Negão and André Luiz for tactical variations.
The Cruzeiro, under Leonardo Jardim, uses holders after saving in the Brasileirão. Dúvida in the attack 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 (doctors).
- Kauã Moraes out due to previous registration rule.
Referee designation for the match
Anderson Daronco, from Rio Grande from Sul, commands the central whistle in his 15th match of the season. The referee registers an average of four warnings per game in CBF duels.
Assistants include Rafael da Silva Alves and Maíra Mastella Moreira, both from Rio Grande do Sul. Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira operates the VAR for Santa Catarina, and Fernando Antônio Mendes for
The CBF team aims for neutrality in a high-risk knockout stage. The regulations apply an aggregate of 180 minutes, with an away goal as a tie-breaker.
Teams’ journey to the semi-finals
Cruzeiro started with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Vila Nova in the third phase. Nas round of 16, 2-0 against CRB reinforced the solid defense.
In the quarterfinals, Atlético-MG was eliminated 4-0, with two goals from Kaio Jorge in the classic.
Corinthians beat Novorizontino 3-0 in the round of 16, followed by 2-0 over Palmeiras. Contra o Athletico-PR, 2 to 1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.
Depay contributed with assists in two victories, while the black and white defense kept clean sheets in six games.
Prize values up for grabs
The winner of Copa of
The final is scheduled for December 17th and 21st, with the first game going to the team with the best campaign.
The other semi-final, Vasco x Fluminense, starts on Thursday, December 11th, at 9:30 pm on Maracanã.
The tournament totaled R$500 million in transfers, distributed among 80 clubs from different divisions.
