Cruzeiro and Corinthians will compete in the semi-final leg of Copa of Brasil this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 9:30 pm at Brasília time, at Estádio Mineirão, at Midfielder Rodrigo Garro is listed and appears in the Corinthians lineup, after recovering from a right calf strain, but the official formation was not released by coach Dorival Júnior. The confrontation seeks an advantage for the return game, on December 14th at Neo Química Arena.
Cruzeiro, third in Brasileirão 2025, arrives undefeated in the competition, with six games without goals conceded and eliminations of Vila Nova, CRB and Atlético-MG. Kaio Jorge has five goals as a highlight. Corinthians, 13th nationally, maintains zero defense in the tournament, after victories over Novorizontino, Palmeiras and Athletico-PR.
The winner faces the classified Vasco x Fluminense in the final.
Transmissions cover open, closed TV and streaming for national coverage.
- Globo: open network signal.
- SporTV: Closed TV with analysis.
- Premiere: exclusive pay-per-view.
- ge TV: streaming on YouTube.
- Amazon Prime Video: digital access.
ge follows in Tempo Real with videos.
Recovery from Rodrigo Garro to Corinthians
Rodrigo Garro trained with the ball on Monday and took part in collective activities on the eve of the trip to Belo Horizonte. The 28-year-old Argentine midfielder overcame the muscle strain in his right calf that kept him out of the last rounds of the Brasileirão.
The official lineup comes out an hour before the whistle, but he appears as an option in midfield in the 4-2-3-1. Garro records two goals and three assists this season, with a vision of the game that benefits the black and white attack.
Hanging with a yellow card, his entry could occur in the second half to preserve energy. The technical committee monitored the load to avoid relapses in a high-intensity duel.
Corinthians’s tactical preparation away from home
Dorival Júnior commanded the last session at Mineirão on Tuesday, emphasizing defensive compactness and quick exits. The squad prioritized simulations against Minas Gerais pressure, focusing on set pieces.
Corinthians drew in the final round of Brasileirão, but the unbeaten record in Copa of Brasil raises optimism. Júnior tested variations in the medium, with Garro as an alternative to Breno Bidon.
The tactical analysis included videos of Cruzeiro, highlighting infiltrations by Matheus Pereira. The team seeks balance between solid defense and counterattacks with Depay and Yuri Alberto.
Escalations and hanging
Corinthians adopts 4-2-3-1, with doubt in the middle between Maycon and Garro, both recovered. Raniele is absent due to ankle pain.
Corinthians team: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Bidu; José Martínez, Maycon; André Carrillo, Breno Bidon (Rodrigo Garro); Memphis Depay, Yuri Alberto.
Hanging: Matheuzinho and Rodrigo Garro.
- Absences: Raniele (ankle pain); no suspensions.
- Bank: Garro, Gui Negão and André Luiz for tactical adjustments.
The Cruzeiro lines up holders after saving in the Brasileirão. Dúvida between Arroyo and Sinisterra in attack.
Cruzeiro team: 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 previous registration with Athletico-PR.
Leonardo Jardim bets on possession of the ball with fans filling the stadium.
Referee appointed for the knockout stage
Anderson The gaucho directed decisive CBF duels in 2025.
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 ensures neutrality in the confrontation. Regulamento has played 180 aggregate minutes, with an away goal as a tiebreaker.
Team trajectories in the initial stages
Cruzeiro beat Vila Nova 5-0 in the third phase, with victories at home and away. Nas round of 16, 2-0 over CRB reinforced the defensive campaign.
In the quarterfinals, Atlético-MG was eliminated 4-0 on aggregate, with Kaio Jorge scoring in the classic.
Corinthians advanced 3-0 against Novorizontino in the round of 16, followed by 2-0 against Palmeiras. Nas quarters, 2-1 over Athletico-PR, keeping clean sheets in six games.
Garro contributed assists in earlier stages, before his injury.
Awards and decision calendar
Champion receives R$ 77.175 million, plus a place in the Libertadores 2026 group stage. Vice earns R$33.075 million.
Final scheduled for December 17th and 21st, with order for best campaign.
Vasco x Fluminense starts the other semi on Thursday, December 11th, at 9:30 pm on Maracanã.
The tournament distributed a total of R$500 million to 80 participating clubs.
