Corinthians meet Cruzeiro again, two months after Copa clash

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Central do Timão

·25 de febrero de 2026

Corinthians meet Cruzeiro again, two months after Copa clash

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

This Wednesday (24), Corinthians returns to the field for the Brazilian Championship, facing Cruzeiro, this time for the fourth round. The match takes place at Mineirão, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), and the Alvinegro Paulista meets the Minas Gerais team again just over two months after an exciting clash in the Copa do Brasil.

The last encounter between the clubs brings back good memories for Corinthians. The teams faced each other on December 14, 2025, in the second leg of the semifinal of the knockout competition, at Neo Química Arena. Despite losing 2-1, Timão defeated Cruzeiro in the penalty shootout and secured a spot in the final after having won the first leg 1-0. In the final, played against Vasco, the Alvinegro was crowned champion.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

On that occasion, Dorival Júnior sent out a lineup with: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, and Matheus Bidu; José Martínez, Maycon, André Carrillo, and Breno Bidon; Memphis Depay, and Yuri Alberto.

In the first half, Cruzeiro controlled the game and managed to turn their superiority into an advantage near halftime. Despite good saves from Hugo Souza, the goalkeeper couldn’t prevent the goal at 38 minutes: after a cross from Christian, Kevin Arroyo rose to head the ball into the back of the net.

In the second half, Corinthians came back more aggressively, pressing their opponent. However, on a quick counterattack, they suffered another blow: Kaio Jorge broke free and assisted Arroyo to extend the lead. The Alvinegro reaction came shortly after, with Matheus Bidu pulling one back.

Afterwards, Timão even hit the post twice, keeping the score unchanged and taking the decision to penalties. In the shootout, Hugo Souza was decisive again by saving the shots from Gabriel Barbosa and Walace, which secured the spot in the final.

Now, Timão faces Cruzeiro seeking their third consecutive victory in the Brasileirão and to stay in the fight for the top of the table. In the first three rounds, the team was defeated by Bahia and won the next two games, against Red Bull Bragantino and Athletico-PR, occupying fifth place in the standings with six points.

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