Corinthians full-back on Copa do Brasil final clash: “I was shocked”

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Central do Timão

·24 December 2025

Corinthians full-back on Copa do Brasil final clash: “I was shocked”

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Before Corinthians' title confirmation in the Copa do Brasil, the first match of the final was marked by a moment of tension between two players from the black-and-white squad. During the first leg, Matheuzinho and Yuri Alberto had a disagreement on the field, a situation that gained attention after the right-back detailed the incident and explained how it was resolved internally.

In an interview with Podpah, Matheuzinho stated that the conversation with the number 9 initially aimed to motivate him during the match. The right-back explained that he noticed the striker's effort but also his frustration with unsuccessful attempts, which led to an unexpected reaction.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“It was just a misunderstanding between friends. Later, we talked. I'm very annoying on the field, I talk, complain, curse. This time, I spoke to him to boost his self-esteem because it was clear he was trying but not succeeding. There was a ball he tried to backheel, and I got really mad. I said: ‘Come on, damn it, it will work’”, started the number 2.

Yuri Alberto's response surprised his teammate, who revealed being impressed by the intensity of the striker's reaction, known for his more reserved profile. The right-back said he sought support from his family to better understand the situation and approached the player the next day.

“The man was pissed, he lost it. First time I saw him like that, I was even scared. I said: ‘No, I just want you to get up’. I was left speechless. The next day, I tried to talk to him. I talked a lot with my dad and mom because it was a reaction that caught me off guard. He's a very quiet guy, who never says anything”, he added.

The discussion happened during the match, amidst a corner kick in favor of Vasco, and needed to be contained while the ball was still in play. After the final whistle, Matheuzinho tried to resume the dialogue in the stadium corridors, but Yuri Alberto left the field visibly upset. According to voice actor Gustavo Machado, the striker told the right-back he preferred not to talk at that moment.

The final chapter of the story came in the decisive game at Maracanã. It was precisely in a play constructed by Matheuzinho that Yuri Alberto opened the scoring of the final. The right-back crossed, the number 9 controlled the ball inside the area and finished with precision to beat Léo Jardim. Corinthians won 2-1 and confirmed their fourth Copa do Brasil title.

Commenting on the weight of responsibility on the striker, Matheuzinho highlighted Yuri Alberto's importance to the squad and acknowledged the pressure faced by the player throughout the decision.

“It must not be easy being in Yuri's shoes. This is 100% his merit. Because if he wasn't the guy scoring goals, maybe the fans wouldn't expect much from him. He carries a lot of weight for our squad and for the Corinthians jersey. It must not be easy, especially considering his age. He's 24. So, the pressure is very high on him”, said the number 2.

Finally, the right-back made a self-criticism about his behavior on the field and explained that, despite the intention to motivate teammates, each athlete reacts differently to pressure in tense moments.

“It was a final, the pressure was high, and we weren't playing well with the ball. I felt he ended up venting. I have this harsher way of speaking to try to lift everyone up, but maybe it's not the 100% correct way. I think that by speaking a bit harsher, cursing, maybe I can lift the guys up, but it depends a lot on each player”, he concluded.

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