Keeper admits Corinthians struggle, still backs cup win at Maracanã

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Central do Timão

·18. Dezember 2025

Keeper admits Corinthians struggle, still backs cup win at Maracanã

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians hosted Vasco da Gama last Wednesday night (17th) at Neo Química Arena for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final, and ended up with a 0-0 draw. The two teams will now face each other again this Sunday (21st), at 6pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. If there is another draw, the decision will go to penalties.

Corinthians’ number 1, Hugo Souza, spoke to the press in the mixed zone after the match and commented on the impact of not going into the second leg in Rio de Janeiro with an advantage. In his response, the goalkeeper stated that, even so, he believes in Corinthians winning their fourth Copa do Brasil title.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“I think everything is even. Just as Vasco’s team came here and played a great game, we can go to Maracanã, play an even better game than we did today, and go after this title. I think everything is even. On the field, it’s 11 against 11. We’re going to give our best. Vasco’s team will do their best. And, God willing, we’ll come out of there happy,” he began.

Later, the Corinthians goalkeeper also stated that the team was technically below par and commented on the team’s game strategy for the match: “I think that question is better for Dorival. What hindered our game a bit was the technical aspect, which was a bit below today. And understanding better what we needed to do during the game. But regarding the game plan, what to change, the tactical part, that’s a question Professor Dorival will be able to answer better,” he continued.

Finally, Hugo Souza chose not to go into detail about the discussion between right-back Matheuzinho and striker Yuri Alberto during the second half. The images were captured by TV Globo.

“Man, it’s a final, every detail is important. Every little detail is important. On the field, we have discussions, we talk, we communicate. To try to adjust what’s being done. And I think it was no different. It’s a game discussion, where we want to improve, want to commit, where one is pushing the other. And that’s part of it,” he concluded.

In the 2025 Copa do Brasil, Corinthians has accumulated over R$ 20 million in prizes, having eliminated: Novorizontino (third round), Palmeiras (round of 16), Athletico-PR (quarterfinals), and Cruzeiro (semifinal). In addition, there have been seven wins, one draw, and one loss – 10 goals scored and two conceded.

If they win the championship, the club from Parque São Jorge will earn over R$ 77 million. If they finish as runners-up, they will take home just over R$ 33 million. The Alvinegro is seeking its fourth Copa do Brasil title after 16 years (1995, 2002, and 2009). Since then, there have been two runner-up finishes (2018 and 2022) and two semifinals (2023 and 2024).

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