Line-up confirmed Corinthians x Cruzeiro: where to watch the Copa do Brasil semi-final live today By Carolina Costa
4 min read
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Corinthians and Cruzeiro face off this Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 6pm (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena, at São Paulo, in the return game of the Copa Betano semi-finals of Brasil. Timão enters the field with a 1-0 lead achieved in the first leg, at Mineirão, and only needs a draw to advance to the final. The match defines the first finalist of the competition, which offers the champion a prize of more than 77 million reais and a direct place in the Libertadores of 2026.
Corinthians arrives motivated after maintaining their unbeaten record in Copa against Brasil in this edition, with seven wins in seven games and no goals conceded. Já Cruzeiro, led by Leonardo Jardim, needs to win by two goals to qualify directly or by one goal to take the decision to penalties. Neo Química Arena should receive a significant audience, with tickets sold out in important sectors.
- Globo (open TV)
- SporTV (closed TV)
- Premiere (pay-per-view)
- Amazon Prime Video (streaming)
Corinthians confirmed lineup
Coach Dorival Júnior defined the Corinthians starting lineup with a focus on defensive solidity and speed in counterattacks. Hugo Souza remains in goal, maintaining the streak of games without conceding goals in the competition. The defense has Matheuzinho on the right flank and Matheus Bidu on the left.
In midfield, José Martínez and Maycon form the midfielder duo, with André Carrillo and Breno Bidon responsible for creation. In attack, Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto lead the offensive sector.
Corinthians holders:
- Hugo Souza
- Matheuzinho
- André Ramalho
- Gustavo
- Matheus Bidu
- José Martínez
- Maycon (C)
- André Carrillo
- Breno Bidon
- Memphis Depay
- Yuri Alberto
Cruzeiro confirmed lineup
Leonardo Jardim opted for a balanced formation in Cruzeiro, with Cássio in goal and a defensive line made up of experienced players. Lucas Silva acts as captain in the middle, alongside options like Walace or Matheus Henrique. The attack has Matheus Pereira as the main articulator.
Kaio Jorge remains as a central reference, supported by fast wingers like Arroyo or Sinisterra. The Minas Gerais team seeks to exploit set pieces and quick transitions to reverse the disadvantage.
Cruzeiro holders:
- Cassio
- William
- Fabricio Bruno
- Jonathan Jesus
- Kaiki
- Luke Silva (C)
- Matheus Henrique
- Christian
- Matheus Pereira
- Sinisterra (or Arroyo)
- Kaio Jorge
Context of the first clash
In the first game, played at Mineirão, Corinthians won 1-0 with a goal from Memphis Depay in the first half. The São Paulo team controlled the defensive actions and did not allow Cruzeiro many chances. Essa victory marked the end of a streak of triumphs for Timão in Belo Horizonte against their rival.
Cruzeiro, despite finishing Brasileirão in a superior position, was unable to break through the Corinthian blockade. Agora, Raposa needs a more aggressive performance away from home to seek classification.
Team trajectory in the competition
Corinthians advanced to the semifinals, eliminating Novorizontino, Palmeiras and Athletico-PR, with convincing aggregates and impenetrable defense. The Dorival Júnior team found in Copa of Brasil a compensation for the irregular campaign in
Cruzeiro eliminated Vila Nova, CRB and Atlético-MG, showing consistency in knockout games. The celestial team reached the semi-finals with five wins and a draw in six previous matches. The winner of this duel will face the team classified between Vasco and Fluminense in the final.
Recent history between the teams
Corinthians and Cruzeiro have a balanced rivalry, with a slight historical advantage for Timão in general clashes. Na Copa of Brasil, the duels are marked by intense decisions, such as the 2018 final won by Raposa.
In the last meetings for Brasileirão 2025, the results were alternated, but Corinthians came out on top in the first game of this semi. This Sunday’s match promises a tactical balance between the proposals of Dorival Júnior and Leonardo Jardim.
Options on the reserve bench
Corinthians has reserves such as Rodrigo Garro, Romero and Charles for changes in the midfield and attack. The team has the depth to maintain momentum if changes are needed.
In Cruzeiro, options like Walace, Eduardo, and Bolasie offer tactical variations. Leonardo Jardim can use these players to intensify the pressure in the second half or adjust the marking.
Match refereeing
The match will be refereed by Rodrigo José Pereira from Lima, with assistants Nailton Junior from Sousa Oliveira and Victor Hugo Imazu from Santos. In VAR, Rafael Traci commands the reviews. The refereeing team seeks to conduct the game with discretion in decisive moves.
The confrontation requires special attention in aerial disputes and fouls close to the area. Até At the moment, there are no reports of hangs that could generate automatic suspensions for a possible final.
Expectations for the decisive duel
Neo Química Arena registers great expectations from organized fans to support Corinthians in their search for a place in the final. Cruzeiro traveled with a full squad and received encouragement from fans upon arrival at São Paulo.
Analysts point to slight favoritism for the home team due to the advantage on the scoreboard and the home factor. However, the technical quality of Cruzeiro allows us to believe in a celestial reaction in normal time.
