Corinthians and Cruzeiro enter the field this Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 6pm (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena, at Timão takes the advantage after winning the first leg 1-0, with a goal from Memphis Depay, and advances to the final with a draw. Já to Raposa must win by two goals to qualify directly or by one goal to take the decision to penalties.
The match marks the reunion of the teams in a decisive knockout stage, remembering the 2018 final won by Cruzeiro. Ambas teams arrive motivated after solid campaigns in the competition, with Corinthians maintaining an unbeaten defensive record in previous games. The broadcast takes place live on TV Globo (open), SporTV, Premiere and Amazon Prime Video.
The stadium should receive a significant crowd, with Corinthians counting on the support of the fans to seal their place. The winner will face the qualifier from the duel between Vasco and Fluminense in the grand final.
Corinthians Escalation
Dorival Júnior confirms maximum strength for the clash at home. The team maintains the base they won in Mineirão, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick counterattacks.
- Holders:Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Bidu; José Martínez, Maycon (C), André Carrillo, Breno Bidon; Memphis Depay, Yuri Alberto.
- Technical:Dorival Júnior.
Alternates include options like Rodrigo Garro, Ángel Romero, and Cacá for tactical changes. The defense has not conceded goals in the competition so far, which represents a key factor for the game plan.
Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay form a dangerous offensive duo, with the Dutchman in good form after the decisive goal in the first leg.
Cruzeiro Escalation
Leonardo Jardim adjusts the team to seek a reversal of the score. The Minas Gerais team enters with changes forced by injuries and suspensions, but remains competitive in attack.
- Holders:Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan, Kaiki; Lucas Silva (C), Matheus Henrique; Christian, Matheus Pereira, Sinisterra; Kaio Jorge.
- Technical:Leonardo Jardim.
Alternates such as Walace, Arroyo, and Bolasie offer variations. The Cruzeiro relies on speed on the wings to explore spaces in the opponent’s defense.
Kaio Jorge leads the attack with important goals in the campaign, while Matheus Pereira organizes the plays.
Where to watch the match
The semi-final receives extensive television and digital coverage. Fans follow the game across multiple platforms, ensuring access in different regions.
- TV Globo broadcasts free-to-air across a large part of the country.
- SporTV shows to closed TV subscribers.
- Premiere offers a pay-per-view option with exclusive narratives.
- Amazon Prime Video offers streaming to subscribers.
Applications like ge and Globoplay complement it with real time and statistics. The match has no significant geographic restrictions on Brasil.
Context of the semi-final
Corinthians arrives with seven consecutive victories in Copa of Brasil 2025, without conceding goals. The team eliminated direct rivals in previous stages and is looking for its fourth title in the competition.
Cruzeiro, the biggest champion with six wins, advanced with a significant aggregate in the quarterfinals. Raposa records high ball possession in decisive games, but needs to improve finishing away from home.
Historically, direct clashes in Copa and Brasil are even, with three victories for each side in past editions.
Team preparation
Dorival Júnior emphasizes concentration in the crowded Neo Química Arena. Treinos of the week focused on set pieces and quick transitions, exploiting the minimum advantage.
Leonardo Jardim exerts intensity from the opening whistle at Cruzeiro. The delegation received support from fans before the trip to São Paulo, motivating the search for a turnaround.
Arbitration has Rodrigo José Pereira of Lima on the whistle, assisted by VAR for controversial moves.
Recent history between the teams
The teams faced each other once in the current season for Copa of Brasil, with Corinthians winning in the first leg. No Brasileirão 2025, duels showed balance, but the knockout stage brings a new scenario.
Corinthians records a lower average possession, but efficiency in counterattacks. Cruzeiro dominates passing statistics, seeking to impose a high pace.
Players like Memphis Depay and Matheus Pereira decide at key moments, raising expectations for the duel.
