Gustavo Henrique: Corinthians’ mental strength seals final spot

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Central do Timão

·15 December 2025

Gustavo Henrique: Corinthians’ mental strength seals final spot

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is in the final of the Copa do Brasil after a night marked by tension, reaction, and a penalty shootout decision at the Neo Química Arena. After a 2-1 defeat to Cruzeiro in regular time, the Alvinegro won 5-4 on penalties. One of the key players in the qualification was Gustavo Henrique, who had a decisive role throughout the match.

After the match, the defender praised the team's journey in the competition and highlighted the importance of the moment experienced in the season. Gustavo Henrique celebrated the qualification and made sure to acknowledge the collective effort of the Alvinegro squad in yet another decision this year.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“Certainly, I am very happy to have helped put Corinthians in the final, another final this year. I am also happy with the performance, I work hard for this. Today I even think I didn't play a great game, but due to the volume of play that Cruzeiro, especially in the first half, imposed, it created a lot of difficulty for us. But in the end, everything worked out and I hope to continue like this, evolving every day with a lot of humility, a lot of work, so that we can achieve our goal.”, said the defender.

Author of one of the penalties converted by Corinthians, Gustavo Henrique also commented on his attempt to rally the crowd after his shot. The defender explained that he felt the tense atmosphere in the stands and sought to turn it into support for the team, especially considering the penalty shootout.

“I needed that. I needed to feel it was natural. Our fans were very tense. And when I scored, I tried to make the crowd even stronger than it already was, because in 180 minutes, both there and here, they supported us a lot and never stopped believing. So that was the moment I tried to lift the crowd even more, because I was sure Hugo would save that penalty with the pressure our fans would put on our opponent. The chance was great and thank God everything worked out.”, commented the player.

Asked about a possible lack of defensive concentration, Gustavo Henrique denied any relaxation and made sure to praise the quality of the opponent. According to the defender, Cruzeiro managed to impose a strong pace, especially in the first half, which required even more attention and emotional balance from Corinthians.

“No, man, I don't think so. We faced a great opponent, it's not for nothing that they had a great year, they are a great team. I think in the first half, especially, we weren't able to keep the ball when we stole it and they created a very large volume of play and that will tire our team. I believe the emotional factor also influences a bit in these decisions, right? And we have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes. But as I said, we didn't face just any opponent, we faced a great team.”, stated the Corinthians defender.

In the penalty shootout, Gustavo Henrique also revealed what went through his mind when chosen as the fifth kicker. The player highlighted the importance of calmness and confidence in training to be able to execute the shot against an experienced goalkeeper like Cássio.

“At every moment, when they said I would be the fifth kicker, the first thing I tried was to stay calm. I think calmness helps us a lot, breathing, and I went in confident the way I had set in my mind that I would shoot, the way I trained. I trained that way and managed to execute it. If I missed, there was also a great goalkeeper on the other side, but I managed to finish well, scored the goal, and I am very happy to be able to help.”, he said.

Finally, the defender commented on the locker room talk during halftime and compared the qualification to other recent decisions of the club. For Gustavo Henrique, the tough script is already part of Corinthians' identity and reinforces the team's connection with its fans.

“The talk in the locker room was that it would be like this. We knew we were facing a great team, but we would have to stay calm, keep playing, and in an organized way, we would seek the draw and, consequently, the victory. I think both games were very similar, very exciting. We are already used to being like Corinthians: it's about suffering, it's about grit, it's about willpower. Today was all of that. For sure.”, concluded the defender.

The Copa do Brasil finals between Corinthians and Vasco will close the 2025 Brazilian football season. The first leg takes place this Wednesday (17), at the Neo Química Arena. The return leg takes place on Sunday (21), at a stadium to be defined by Vasco, possibly the Maracanã.

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