Corinthians' Copa do Brasil run: stirring words from Dorival and Fabinho

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·16 December 2025

Corinthians' Copa do Brasil run: stirring words from Dorival and Fabinho

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

A little over 24 hours after the final whistle at Neo Química Arena, which secured Corinthians a spot in the Copa do Brasil final by defeating Cruzeiro on penalties 5-4, the club released behind-the-scenes footage of the qualification on its official YouTube channel.

Published on Corinthians TV, the video is over 35 minutes long and begins with footage of the goal scored by Memphis Depay in the first leg at Mineirão, as well as the celebration of the Fiel in Belo Horizonte. Next, the material shows the mosaic prepared by the fans before the decisive match, Matheus Bidu’s goal, Hugo Souza’s penalty saves, the decisive penalty converted by Breno Bidon, and the players’ celebration on the pitch.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Rodrigo Coco/Ag. Corinthians

At first, the focus is on the match played at Mineirão. The video records the players’ arrival at the stadium, the work of the massage therapists, and the instructions from the coaching staff. Before stepping onto the field, team leaders gave speeches. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza, defenders André Ramalho and Gustavo Henrique, forward Ángel Romero, midfielder Rodrigo Garro, defensive midfielder Maycon, and right-back Matheuzinho all left messages of encouragement. The number 2 highlighted that it would be “a big game, for big players,” a message that was reinforced by his teammates.

Next, football executive Fabinho Soldado took the floor and gave a speech emphasizing the group’s ability to reach that stage of the Copa do Brasil, even in the face of the difficulties the club experienced off the field.

“One of the things I want to say to you, and I can say this with authority. It’s what Garro said: ‘We know what suffering is.’ We suffered like hell this year, that’s the truth. We suffered a lot in here. Everyone suffered in here—management, players, everyone. We endured and gave our all, we managed to win a title, and even then it wasn’t enough. They (Cruzeiro) didn’t suffer more than we did. So this game means much more to us,” commented Fabinho.

Forward Memphis Depay, with the help of a translator, also spoke before the game, asking the team to put aside what had happened in the Brazilian Championship and focus on the club’s need to pursue the title. The Dutchman called for greater control in midfield and better communication among the players. Hugo Souza, meanwhile, asked the group to seize the moment and end the opponent’s favoritism.

“Those guys who think it’s going to be easy, no f***ing way. We’re going to run over them. Because this f***ing shirt is heavy as hell. And, together with our personality, we’re going to put the pressure on them,” said the goalkeeper.

Dorival Júnior also spoke before the match, praising the locker room’s attitude and pointing out that the clash would be decided emotionally, something Corinthians would need to know how to manage.

“What we did in here was f***ing great. The words, everything that was said. Pay attention to one thing: the game is emotional, about commitment. Emotion is about balance and physical commitment. That’s the game we need. So, we have to manage our anxiety, we’re going to win the game,” said the coach.

Next, the video begins to show highlights from the match, with emphasis on Memphis Depay’s goal and Corinthians’ best moments in the first leg. After the victory, the forward celebrated the result, thanked the fans for their support, and highlighted the importance of taking the first step in the knockout stage.

“A very important victory. We knew it would be difficult here. We started well, created some opportunities. But it’s an important first step, so we have to stay focused, stay calm, recover, and prepare for another war. And now we have to build confidence. And all the fans today were excellent, they helped us get the win. Let’s go back, let’s go home to recover. And we have a big job to do,” he said.

Even with the advantage built in the first leg, the footage shows that, upon returning to the locker room, Gustavo Henrique and Dorival Júnior warned the squad that nothing was decided. The guidance was to avoid any premature celebration and keep total focus for the decisive match.

In the return leg, before the ball rolled at Neo Química Arena, the video follows the same script, with images of the squad arriving at the stadium, preparing materials in the locker room, and the atmosphere among players and staff, set to loud music of various styles.

After scenes of the warm-up, both indoors and on the pitch, Dorival Júnior asked to speak and reinforced the importance of maintaining organization throughout the match, as well as praising the team’s preparation.

“Organization! Don’t lose it, regardless of what’s happening, the organization. We’re going to qualify. Don’t lose the organization, don’t lose your head. We have to finish the game with 11 players on the field. That’s fundamental. Our attitude is what will decide the match. We’re prepared, calm to play, and confident,” he said.

Next, Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Romero, André Ramalho, Raniele, Garro, and Fabinho Soldado also spoke to motivate the group. In particular, the football executive gave another speech and left a memorable message.

“This game is for 10 years from now, 15 years, 20 years, 50 years, for us to come back here to this club and have our names in history. It’s a lot, it’s a game to make history at this club,” he said.

Raniele praised the performance in the first leg and revealed his desire to be on the field again with the same energy shown by the team, asking the group to repeat that attitude. The midfielder missed the match due to ankle pain. Hugo Souza, in turn, asked the players to seize the moment and remember everything they had gone through to reach that decision.

The video also shows match highlights, images of the fans in the stands, large flags, the constant support of the Fiel, the penalty shootout, and the explosion of joy after Breno Bidon converted the decisive kick. In the celebration, Hugo commented that he would have liked to qualify without suffering, but emphasized that “Corinthians is like that.” The goalkeeper also praised his faith in Jesus Christ, while José Martínez appears holding a rosary.

Finally, Hugo Souza thanked the fans for their support both at Mineirão and Neo Química Arena, stating that the Fiel “scores goals and saves goals.” Matheus Bidu also celebrated his goal and the qualification. The goalkeeper was applauded by the entire squad upon returning to the locker room, while Romero joked: “For those who just arrived, welcome to Corinthians.”

Memphis Depay and Hugo Souza end the video by reinforcing the need for total focus on winning the title and for team unity. The footage ends with the traditional “poropopó” in the locker room, bringing together players, coaching staff, and staff.

See more: