Cruzeiro faces Corinthians this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in the first game of the Copa Betano semifinal of Brasil. The match takes place at 9:30 pm at Brasília time, at Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto, known as Mineirão, at Belo Horizonte. The confrontation defines a place in the final against the winner of Vasco and Fluminense, with the title guaranteeing R$77.175 million in prizes and a place in the group stage of Conmebol Libertadores 2026.
The Minas Gerais team, coached by Leonardo Jardim, arrives undefeated in nine games at Brasileirão, focusing on consolidating their home advantage. Corinthians, under the command of Dorival Júnior, seeks to surprise away from home after a recent 2-2 draw against Botafogo.
The expectation involves the history of clashes in the competition, where Cruzeiro came out on top in four of the six previous duels.
- Cruzeiro has five wins and a draw in the early stages of Copa Betano.
- Corinthians eliminated opponents like Santos in the quarterfinals, with an aggregate score of 4-2.
- Tickets sold out at Mineirão indicate an audience of over 60 thousand fans.
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Cruzeiro starting formation and tactical adjustments
Coach Leonardo Jardim chose to select the starting team after sparing players in the last round of Brasileirão. The formation must prioritize control of the midfield, with Lucas Silva as captain.
Cássio defends the goal, supported by a solid defense made up of William on the right flank, Fabrício Bruno and Lucas Villalba in the center, and Kaiki on the left. In the middle, Lucas Romero and Lucas Silva anchor the marking, while Matheus Pereira, Christian and Arroyo create offensive plays. Kaio Jorge closes the attack as a reference.
This configuration reflects the positive sequence of Cruzeiro at home, without defeats in 11 matches.
The reserves include options such as Walace to reinforce the midfield and Gabigol to enter the second half if necessary.
Corinthians bets on rotation with Dorival Júnior
Dorival Júnior introduces new features into the Corinthians lineup to preserve energy for the return game. The São Paulo team, 13th in the Brasileirão, depends on the Copa to improve the continental classification.
Hugo Souza is in goal, with Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu in the defensive line. José Martínez and Maycon, the captain, control the middle, assisted by André Carrillo and Breno Bidon. Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto lead the attack.
Game strategies and recent absences
Preparation for Cruzeiro involves intense training in Belo Horizonte, with an emphasis on quick transitions. Jardim highlighted the importance of exploring the sides of the field against the Corinthians defense.
Corinthians, in turn, adjusted formation after injuries to Marquinhos and Wanderson, who remain in the medical department. Raniele is doubtful due to pain in the ankle, but it must be related.
- Cruzeiro: focus on ball possession, average of 58% in recent games.
- Corinthians: emphasis on counterattacks, with Yuri Alberto scoring 10 goals in the season.
- Referee Anderson Daronco whistles the duel, assisted by VAR by Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira.
These adjustments aim to balance the confrontation, where the away goal serves as a tiebreaker in the aggregate.
Recent history shows Cruzeiro winning 3-0 against Corinthians in November, at Brasileirão, which increases Minas Gerais’ confidence.
History of clashes in the Copa Betano
Cruzeiro and Corinthians face each other for the seventh time in Copa of Brasil, with Raposa advancing on four occasions. The last duel in the competition took place in 2018, with Corinthians winning on penalties.
Live streaming and fan options
The match has extensive coverage for fans across the country. Open and closed TV channels guarantee easy access, while streaming platforms offer mobility.
Globo broadcasts free to air on Minas Gerais and São Paulo, starting at 9pm. SporTV and Premiere provide detailed analysis on pay TV.
For streaming, Globoplay and Amazon Prime Video release the game to subscribers, with replays available post-match.
- Extra platforms: ge TV on YouTube for free real-time coverage.
- Apps like Sofascore offer live statistics such as ball possession and shots on goal.
- Betting odds vary, with Cruzeiro favorite at 1.80, according to specialized websites.
The return game takes place on Sunday, December 14th, at 6pm at Brasília time, at Neo Química Arena, at São Paulo.
Prizes and final calendar
The winner of the semi-final advances to the final against the runner-up of Vasco x Fluminense, scheduled for December 17th and 21st. The tournament distributed more than R$500 million in total quotas in this edition.
The champion earns R$77.175 million, in addition to R$33.075 million for the runner-up. Esses amounts are added to the prizes per phase, exceeding R$ 100 million for the seven-time champion.
Vasco and Fluminense will compete for the other bracket on Thursday, December 11th, at 9:30 pm on Maracanã, on Rio of Janeiro.
