Five reasons to believe Corinthians can beat Cruzeiro this Wednesday | OneFootball

The most anticipated day for Corinthians fans in recent months has arrived. This Wednesday, Timão visits Cruzeiro at Mineirão, at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals. 

Due to their recent performance and throughout the entire Brazilian Championship, Cruzeiro can be considered the favorite in the matchup, as they have shown more consistent football in 2025.  

For this reason, Gazeta Esportiva has put together five reasons for Corinthians fans to believe that a victory at Mineirão is possible, and thus start the semifinal on the right foot. Check them out below: 

1 – No goals conceded in this Copa do Brasil

To win games, everything starts with a good defense. In this Copa do Brasil, over six matches, including three away games (like this Wednesday), Corinthians has not conceded a single goal, a very important factor not only for winning the first leg but also for advancing in the knockout stage. 

2 – Three away wins

Another major point Corinthians fans can believe in is the team’s away performance in this Copa do Brasil. In three away games, Timão claimed three victories: 1-0 against Novorizontino, 2-0 against Palmeiras, and a 1-0 win over Athletico-PR.  

Photos: Rodrigo Coca / Agência Corinthians

3 – 100% success rate

In addition to the three away wins, Corinthians also boasts three home victories, resulting in a 100% success rate in this Copa do Brasil: at Itaquera, 1-0 against Novorizontino, 1-0 against Palmeiras, and 2-0 against Athletico-PR. 

4 – Victory in 2002

In Corinthians’ second Copa do Brasil title run, in 2002, Timão faced Cruzeiro in two matches in the round of 16. At Mineirão, which hosted the second leg, Alvinegro beat Raposa 3-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals. In the first leg, the teams had drawn 2-2. 

5 – Memphis is back

Finally, Corinthians should have Memphis Depay back for this Wednesday’s clash. With the Dutchman on the field, Timão has a 56.6% success rate in 47 matches: 23 wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses, with him starting in 36 games. 

Photos: Rodrigo Coca / Agência Corinthians

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.