Hugo Souza stars in shootout, Corinthians reach final | OneFootball

The Corinthians has qualified for the final of the Copa do Brasil. The Timão was defeated by Cruzeiro this Sunday at the Neo Química Arena, 2-1, but relied on the brilliance of Hugo Souza in the penalties and prevailed in the shootout, 5-4, returning to the national decision after three years.

The alvinegra team won the first match 1-0 at Mineirão. Therefore, the aggregate score was tied at 2-2.

Vasco in sight!

In pursuit of the fourth title, Corinthians will face Vasco in the Copa do Brasil final. Fernando Diniz's team eliminated Fluminense on penalties this Sunday at Maracanã.

The first leg of the final is scheduled for next Wednesday, December 17, with Corinthians hosting. The decisive match will be on the 21st, next Sunday, in Rio de Janeiro. The times will be announced by the CBF.

Cruzeiro, on the other hand, bids farewell to the competition.

📋 Match Summary

⚫⚪ CORINTHIANS 1 (5) X (4) 2 CRUZEIRO 🔵⚪

🏆 Competition: Copa do Brasil (semifinal second leg) 🏟️ Venue: Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo (SP) 📅 Date: December 14, 2025 (Sunday) ⏰ Time: 6 PM (Brasília time) 👥 Attendance: 47,520 spectators 💰 Revenue: R$ 4,464,311.00 🟨 Yellow Cards: Lucas Silva and Matheus Henrique (Cruzeiro); Breno Bidon, Angileri, André Ramalho, and Raniele (Corinthians) 🟥 Red Cards: None

Refereeing

Goals:

⚫⚪ Corinthians

Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, and Matheus Bidu; Martínez (Raniele), Maycon (Vitinho), Carrillo (Garro), and Breno Bidon; Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto. Coach: Dorival Júnior

🔵⚪ Cruzeiro

Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, and Kaiki Bruno; Lucas Silva, Matheus Henrique (Walace), Christian (Eduardo), and Matheus Pereira; Sinisterra (Arroyo (Wanderson)) and Kaio Jorge (Gabigol). Coach: Leonardo Jardim

How was the game?

The game started cautiously, but Corinthians had some difficulty retaining the ball. Cruzeiro also took advantage of some marking errors by the alvinegra team to find good passes through the middle and create the best opportunities.

Hugo Souza saves twice

The first dangerous play was at 16 minutes. Kaio Jorge made a good play on the left side and crossed perfectly for Matheus Pereira, who was alone at the far post. The midfielder attempted a bicycle kick and was stopped by a beautiful save from Hugo Souza. Sinisterra tried to get the rebound but was blocked by Gustavo Henrique and sent it over.

Cruzeiro came close again at 24. Matheus Pereira received the ball inside the area and passed to Kaio Jorge, who shot first time. Hugo saved again.

Arroyo opens the scoring

The visiting team took control of the match and opened the scoring at 39 minutes. William received the ball on the right side and passed to Christian, who crossed into the area and found Arroyo. The Ecuadorian striker slipped between the Corinthians defenders and headed firmly, leaving no chance for Hugo Souza. The aggregate score was now tied.

Cruzeiro extends lead with tight play

Corinthians faltered just four minutes into the second half and saw Cruzeiro extend their lead. Kaio Jorge broke free on the right flank, drove into the area, and rolled the ball to Arroyo, who just tapped it into the empty net. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but VAR reviewed the play and confirmed the legal position of the Raposa striker, in a very tight call.

Bidu puts Corinthians back in the game

There was barely time for Cruzeiro to celebrate the lead before Corinthians got back into the match. At nine minutes, Garro took a free kick to the far post and found André Ramalho, who headed it back into the middle. Matheus Bidu arrived to finish and smashed it into the net, sending the Fiel into a frenzy in Itaquera.

Timão presses but is stopped by Cássio and the crossbar

Timão was energized by the goal and began to press the Raposa. The team threatened the visitors with two consecutive long-range shots from Memphis Depay and Garro at 17 minutes. However, both were stopped by saves from Cássio.

At 18 minutes, with another ball lofted into the area, Bidu got the rebound and attempted a bicycle kick. The shot hit the crossbar. Shortly after, at 21 minutes, Breno Bidon controlled the ball inside the area and shot low into the corner, but hit the post. The hosts continued to seek the equalizing goal but couldn't find it, leading the match to penalties.

Penalties

Cruzeiro

Corinthians

Next Corinthians match

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