Hugo Souza hails Derby effort, on Carlos Miguel’s Arena return | OneFootball

Corinthians showed courage and fought for a 1-1 draw against Palmeiras in the seventh and final Derby of 2025, played this Sunday at Neo Química Arena, for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. One of the main figures of the classic, goalkeeper Hugo Souza, praised the team's effort even in the face of absences.

Corinthians went into the Derby without striker Yuri Alberto, right-back Matheuzinho, and midfielders Carrillo and José Martínez, all out due to injury. Matheus Bidu was also unavailable, as he was suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

“The motivation is always the same. To play in a Derby, the motivation is always sky-high. The whole team deserves congratulations. We’re coming off two very tough games, and we’re missing important players from our squad. We managed to perform well even with these absences, we played a great match. Of course, we really wanted the win, but I believe we did our best and we’ll get the victories we need going forward,” he said in an interview with Cazé TV.

Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel returned to Neo Química Arena, but this time wearing the Palmeiras shirt. He was heavily booed and insulted by the fans, especially during the warm-up. Hugo Souza, who joined Corinthians precisely because the rival goalkeeper moved to Europe, commented on his friend’s reunion with the Fiel Torcida.

“What happened is normal, but it’s part of the game. I wish Carlos Miguel all the best. Besides being a teammate, he’s also a friend. I hope he does very well and can have the best possible career,” said Hugo Souza.

Now, the Brazilian football calendar will pause for the FIFA international break. Corinthians will therefore only return to the pitch around mid-September. Hugo will be unavailable for the team during this period, as he was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti to play for the Brazilian National Team in the final matches of the Qualifiers.

“I’m sure this will be very important so we can recover some players and also rest. Not for me, thank God [laughs]. I’m off for another call-up and I’m very happy for this moment and everything I’m experiencing. We’re heading into another FIFA break with a lot of drive and determination, to give my best for the National Team, because my focus is there now,” added the Corinthians goalkeeper.

The draw didn’t change much for either team in the Brazilian Championship. Corinthians missed the chance to secure a second consecutive win in the national tournament and remained in 11th place, reaching only 26 points.

Hugo Souza’s Corinthians will be back on the field on September 10 (Wednesday) to face Athletico-PR in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. The match kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena. Timão won the first leg 1-0 and has the advantage of a draw.

Upcoming Corinthians matches

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