Corinthians ready for crucial Copa do Brasil clash with Cruzeiro

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Central do Timão

·13 December 2025

Corinthians ready for crucial Copa do Brasil clash with Cruzeiro

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is eagerly anticipating a major reunion with the Fiel. This Sunday (14), at 6:00 PM (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena, Timão will host Cruzeiro for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal. With a 1-0 victory in the first leg, played at Mineirão, the Alvinegro only needs a draw to secure a spot in the national tournament final.

The Corinthians squad wrapped up preparations for the match on Saturday morning (13), at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. The training session included strength exercises in the gym, warm-up on the pitch, and two tactical drills led by coach Dorival Júnior. The team also dedicated part of the session to set-piece plays and penalty kicks, anticipating possible scenarios in the decisive clash.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Even with the advantage gained away from home, Corinthians is taking a cautious approach. Internally, the guidance is to seek another victory in front of their fans to confirm a spot in the final. The coaching staff and players see the match as even more challenging, especially given the stance the opponent is expected to take in Itaquera.

Ready for the duel, defender André Ramalho highlighted the importance of maintaining an offensive posture and maximum focus throughout the 90 minutes, emphasizing that Cruzeiro is likely to pose even more difficulties than in the first encounter.

“We have to step onto the field looking for victory as we always have. Especially in opportunities like this. We achieved a great result away from home, we have to understand that. However, we are at home, with our fans. We will, for sure, go for the win.”, said the defender.

“Obviously we have to be aware of the advantage, but we’re going all out to win again. It will be an extremely tough match. I believe it will be harder than the first game. They (Cruzeiro) will try to overturn the result, but we are aware of the challenge. We will be very focused and concentrated. You can see that in the team. May we achieve another victory tomorrow and, God willing, secure qualification.”, he added.

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