English
Thrilling Draw in Sao Paulo: Corinthians and Cruzeiro Leave Everything for the Return Leg
Sao Paulo, December 14, 2025 – The Neo Química Arena witnessed an electrifying encounter between Corinthians and Cruzeiro in the first leg of the Copa Do Brasil semi-finals. The match, officiated by referee Rodrigo Jose Pereira de Lima, ended in a draw that left the tie wide open for the return leg.
The first half was high-tension, marked by several cautions. Breno Bidon and F. Angileri saw yellow cards for Corinthians, while Lucas Silva was booked for Cruzeiro. The visitors struck first with a goal by K. Arroyo in the 40th minute, assisted by Christian, making it 0-1.
In the second half, Cruzeiro extended their lead with another goal by Arroyo in the 50th minute, this time assisted by Kaio Jorge. However, Corinthians reacted quickly, and Matheus Bidu scored in the 55th minute, narrowing the gap and lifting the home crowd.
With regular time expired, the match went into extra time. Madness ensued in extra time with a series of penalties. Breno Bidon, Gustavo Henrique, and Vitinho scored from the spot for Corinthians. For Cruzeiro, Lucas Silva, William Furtado, Wanderson, and Matheus Pereira converted their penalties. However, Gabriel Barbosa and Walace missed their shots for Cruzeiro, while Yuri Alberto also missed for Corinthians. The match ended in a thrilling draw after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Corinthians dominated possession with 48% compared to Cruzeiro’s 52%. The “Timao” generated 14 shots, 5 of which were on target, while Cruzeiro took 9 shots, also with 5 on target. Corinthians had 11 corners in their favor, compared to Cruzeiro’s 4. The match was hotly contested, with 13 fouls committed by Corinthians and 10 by Cruzeiro.
With this result, the tie will be decided in the return leg, where both teams will seek passage to the Copa Do Brasil final.
Substitutions cruzeiro: at minute 31 L. Sinisterra came in and K. Arroyo went out., at minute 87 Christian came in and Eduardo went out., at minute 90 Kaio Jorge came in and Gabriel Barbosa went out., at minute 90 K. Arroyo came in and Wanderson went out., at minute 90 Matheus Henrique came in and Walace went out.
Substitutions corinthians: at minute 46 J. Martinez came in and Raniele went out., at minute 46 A. Carrillo came in and R. Garro went out., at minute 87 Maycon came in and Vitinho went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Corinthians
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