Corinthians and Cruzeiro tied the aggregate score at 2-2 in the return game of the semi-finals of the Copa of the Brasil, played at Neo Química Arena, in The confrontation ended with a partial victory for Cruzeiro by 2-1 in regular time, forcing the decision on penalties, where moments of tension marked the classification.
Cruzeiro opened the lead with goals from Arroyo, while Corinthians scored with Matheus Bidu. The match maintained high intensity from start to finish, with both teams seeking a place in the final without success in normal time. The definition came in penalties, with decisive moves that involved the main attackers.
In the kicks, Memphis Depay converted his attempt for Corinthians, keeping the team alive in the dispute. The goalkeeper
Goals in normal time define a tied aggregate
Cruzeiro took the lead with Arroyo scoring twice, exploiting quick plays on the side of the field. Kaio Jorge participated in important assists, allowing the attacker to expand after a VAR review in one of the moves. The Minas Gerais team controlled part of the ball possession and created opportunities in the second half.
Corinthians reacted with a goal from Matheus Bidu, who took advantage of a free kick from Garro. André Ramalho headed the ball, and the full-back finished to keep the group balanced. The São Paulo team pressed in the final minutes, with chances of Memphis Depay and Garro, but Cássio avoided a partial draw.
- Arroyo scored at 4′ and 6′ of the second half for Cruzeiro.
- Bidu scored at 9′ into the second half for Corinthians.
- Ball possession was balanced, with Cruzeiro at 52%.
The duel maintains high intensity, with Corinthians having greater possession in moments of pressure.
Individual highlights in the balanced confrontation
Memphis Depay was a key player in the Corinthians attack, creating danger with shots from outside the box and headers. The Dutchman converted his penalty with precision, contributing to the team’s continuation in the dispute. Yuri Alberto had opportunities in normal time, including a header over the top, but failed to take the decisive shot.
Cássio demonstrated experience by defending the Yuri Alberto penalty, repeating solid performances in knockout matches. Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge led Cruzeiro in midfield and attack, with precise passes that generated the goals. Hugo Souza made important saves for Corinthians, avoiding a greater Minas Gerais advantage.
Penalty charges mark tension in Arena
The penalty shootout began with alternating conversions between the teams. Memphis Depay hit calmly and dislodged the goalkeeper, scoring for Corinthians. Wanderson and Matheus Pereira hit for Cruzeiro, maintaining the initial balance.
The crucial moment came from Yuri Alberto’s charge, saved by Cássio with a dive to the right. The defense rekindled memories of the goalkeeper from past decisions. Penalties continued after the first rounds, with a high concentration of batters.
Corinthians pressure in the second half
Corinthians dominated actions after the break, with Breno Bidon hitting the crossbar and Garro demanding a save from Cássio. Matheus Bidu almost scored with a bicycle kick, seeing the ball explode against the post. The team exchanged passes in attack, forcing consecutive corners.
Cruzeiro retreated lines to explore counterattacks, with Arroyo taking advantage of spaces. Substituições as input from Vitinho into Corinthians and Wanderson into Cruzeiro changed the rhythm. Cartões yellows for Raniele and Matheus Henrique interrupted promising plays.
Context of the semi-final after going to Mineirão
In the first leg, Corinthians won 1-0 at Mineirão, with a goal from Memphis Depay. The advantage allowed the São Paulo team to play for a draw on aggregate. Cruzeiro had to look for results away from home, repeating the pressure seen in previous stages of the competition.
Both teams reached the semi-finals unbeaten in consecutive clean sheets. The clash brought together experienced goalkeepers, with Hugo Souza and Cássio starring in direct duels. Neo Química Arena registered a significant audience, supporting the home team.
Dangerous moves before goals
Garro took dangerous corners for Corinthians, with Cássio punching away. Memphis Depay finished strongly from outside, demanding a rebound from the Cruzeiro goalkeeper. Kaiki Bruno went up the left and crossed low, cut by the São Paulo defense.
Breno Bidon shot twice into the area, hitting the post the first time. André Ramalho headed at the second post, causing an offside. Cruzeiro responded with Matheus Henrique hurting him in the aerial dispute with Yuri Alberto.
Substitutions change the dynamics of the match
Dorival Júnior promoted entries from Garro and Cruzeiro exchanged pieces with Walace and Wanderson in the second half. Vitinho brought speed on the Corinthian side, almost expanding on the counterattack.
Injuries forced early changes, with players leaving in the first half of the first leg. The referee controlled tactical fouls, with yellow cards evenly distributed. VAR reviewed offside calls for Arroyo’s goals.
Preparation for decision on penalties
The teams trained specific kicks during the week, focusing on goalkeepers. Cássio has a positive record in penalty saves throughout his career. Hugo Souza also showed confidence in previous disputes in the competition.
The tension in penalties reflects the importance of the place in the final, with a high prize pool. The classified will face the winner of another semi-final. Neo Química Arena was thrilled with constant support for the home team.
