Vic Albuquerque hails Corinthians advantage and notes impact of image-rights deal | OneFootball

Vic Albuquerque struck in stoppage time to give Corinthians a 1-0 first-leg win at Cruzeiro, stressing the value of leaving Minas Gerais with a lead.

"Make it easier, no. Make it calmer, no. I think it changes the strategy... But it will not be easy. Cruzeiro are very strong," she said in the mixed zone in an interview carried by O TikiTaka Sports.

The sides meet again on Monday, 7 September at 17:00, venue to be confirmed, with the Brabas at home. Corinthians need only a draw to reach the semi-finals. Bahia and Palmeiras drew 1-1 in their first leg at Arena Fonte Nova, and await the winner.

The squad met president Osmar Stabile last week over overdue image rights and bonuses. Vic said the agreement helped the players stay focused and set aside concerns over household costs.

"It has a big influence, because before being athletes we are human beings. It is very difficult to concentrate 100% when we are very stressed. With everything returning to normal, God willing, everything will work out. We can focus only on our work, knowing our family is well at home."

Image rights for June and July 2026 and bonuses for the 2025 Brasileiro Feminino title, this year’s FIFA women’s club event runners-up finish, and the 2026 Supercopa runners-up were outstanding. Stabile paid a first instalment on Friday and set up to 10 days to clear the second, and said part of the bonuses had been settled while the club await new income. CLT salaries are current, but image rights, due on the 15th, have faced delays since early 2026 and make up over half of some players’ pay, with two months overdue risking a third that could allow unilateral termination under the LGE.

Source: Meu Timao

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