Hugo Souza shines on penalties and qualifies Corinthians for the 2025 Copa do Brasil final

Corinthians secured a place in the final of Copa of Brasil 2025 after beating Cruzeiro on penalties 7-4 in Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo, this Sunday (14). The game ended in a draw in normal time, with the aggregate score equal after Corinthians’ 1-0 victory in the first leg. The classification came with decisive performances from goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who saved important shots, including that of Gabigol.

The match was played under heavy pressure from both teams. Cruzeiro took the lead in the second half with goals from Arroyo, but Corinthians reacted with a goal from Matheus Bidu, taking the decision to maximum penalties. Hugo Souza stood out by hitting corners and spreading shots, guaranteeing the black and white advance.

The Corinthians fans filled Neo Química Arena and supported the team during the 90 minutes and during the kick-offs. The confrontation marked the return of Corinthians to a final of Copa of Brasil after years without reaching a decision.

Game development in normal time

The first half ended with Cruzeiro ahead thanks to a goal from Arroyo in the 39th minute. The attacker headed firmly after a precise cross, overcoming the Corinthians defense. Corinthians had difficulty creating clear chances, with balanced possession of the ball, but limited shots.

In the second half, Cruzeiro expanded with Arroyo again, after a pass from Kaio Jorge. Corinthians quickly scored with Matheus Bidu, who took advantage of a free kick rebound. Jogadas of danger appeared on both sides, with Memphis Depay and Garro threatening for Timão, while Matheus Pereira created for the visitors.

Substitutions changed the pace of the match. The Corinthians coach promoted starters like Garro and Vitinho to reinforce the attack. Cruzeiro responded with changes in midfield, seeking to maintain control. Cartões yellow cards were distributed to Raniele and André Ramalho on the Corinthians side.

The equal score led to the duel going to penalties. Ambas the teams maintained intensity until the final whistle, with missed chances in stoppage time.

Sequence of penalty kicks

Alternating penalties defined the classification. Breno Bidon opened by converting to Corinthians. Walace had a shot saved by Hugo Souza shortly afterwards.

Gustavo Henrique scored for Timão. Gabriel saw Hugo Souza palm his charge. Vitinho increased Corinthians’ advantage.

• Lucas Silva converted to Cruzeiro.
• Garro kept Corinthians ahead.
• William declined for the miners.
• Memphis Depay got it right.
• Wanderson temporarily equalized.
• Yuri Alberto stopped in defense of Cássio.
• Matheus Pereira scored for Cruzeiro.

The series remained balanced until the decisive charge from Gabigol. Hugo Souza hit the corner and saved, sealing the 7-4 victory.

Highlighted performance by Hugo Souza

Hugo Souza lived a night inspired by Neo Química Arena. The goalkeeper made important interventions in normal time, including saves from Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge shots. Sua security gave confidence to the black and white defense.

In penalties, Hugo Souza took corners from multiple kicks. The save on Gabigol’s shot marked the decisive moment of the classification. The performance reinforces the archer’s positive phase in the Corinthians during the season.

Specific training for penalties contributed to the result. Hugo Souza faced several charges throughout the year and accumulated impressive defenses. The performance consolidated his position as a key player in the cast.

Reactions after classification

Corinthians players celebrated intensely with the fans at the end of the penalties. Memphis Depay and Garro highlighted the group’s unity in quick interviews. The coach emphasized the team’s resilience in the face of opposing pressure.

On the Cruzeiro side, athletes recognized the effort, but regretted the lost chances. Cássio made an important save against Yuri Alberto. The Minas Gerais team ends a positive campaign in the competition.

The final of Copa of Brasil 2025 will take place in two matches. Corinthians awaits the winner of the other semi-final. The vacancy represents an important achievement for the club this season.

Context of the Corinthians campaign

Corinthians reached the semi-finals after eliminating teams like Athletico-PR in the quarters. The victory in the first game against Cruzeiro, 1-0 at Mineirão, gave them an initial advantage. Memphis Depay scored the decisive goal on that occasion.

The team showed defensive solidity throughout the knockout stage. Hugo Souza accumulated safe performances in elimination games. The classification on penalties reinforces the club’s tradition of tense decisions.

The opponent in the final will leave the confrontation between other teams. Datas of the decisive matches are scheduled for December. Corinthians is looking for a national title to crown the year.

Clash details

Neo Química Arena registered a large audience for the duel. Arbitragem controlled the game with evenly distributed cards. Finalizações were numerous on both sides in normal time.

Ball possession was divided during the 90 minutes. Escanteios and fouls marked the tactical balance. The penalty shootout rewarded precision and concentration.

Corinthians advances undefeated in penalty shootouts in the current competition. Hugo Souza contributed directly to this retrospective. The campaign remains alive towards the trophy.