Copa do Brasil 2025 Finalists Decided After Dramatic Sunday Semifinals
The Copa do Brasil 2025 finalists were set after semifinal clashes on December 14, with Corinthians and Vasco holding leads against Cruzeiro and Fluminense, respectively, ahead of thrilling second-leg matches.
- • Corinthians hold a 1-0 advantage over Cruzeiro and need only a draw to advance.
- • Cruzeiro must win by two goals or win by one to force penalties to reach the final.
- • Vasco leads Fluminense 2-1 from the first leg and aims to maintain the advantage.
- • Striker Agustín Canobbio returns for Fluminense after suspension, possibly influencing the outcome.
Key details
On December 14, 2025, the finalists for the Copa do Brasil were determined following two intense semifinal matches that captivated football fans across Brazil. The first match at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo saw Corinthians defending a narrow 1-0 first-leg advantage against Cruzeiro. Corinthians could qualify for the final with a draw, while Cruzeiro needed to win by two goals to advance directly or by one to force penalties. Corinthians' coach Dorival Júnior highlighted the inevitability of a tense encounter despite their advantage, while Cruzeiro was contending with the absence of defender Lucas Villalba (ankle injury) and suspended midfielder Lucas Romero. Cruzeiro's striker Wanderson, recovering from a muscle injury, potentially bolstered their attack.
Later in Rio de Janeiro at Maracanã Stadium, Fluminense and Vasco clashed to determine the other finalist. Vasco entered with a 2-1 first-leg lead secured by a late stoppage-time goal. Fluminense’s coach Luis Zubeldía noted the importance of tactical adjustments and saw the return of striker Agustín Canobbio from suspension as a critical factor. Vasco’s coach Fernando Diniz urged his squad to maintain focus to confirm their advantage.
The outcomes of these semifinals will set up a final between Corinthians, aiming for their fourth Copa do Brasil title, and Cruzeiro, the tournament's most decorated club seeking a seventh. Meanwhile, Vasco and Fluminense each have one Copa do Brasil title. An additional storyline is the race for the competition’s top scorer, with Vasco's Rayan and Cruzeiro's Kaio Jorge tied at five goals apiece, closely followed by Fluminense’s Everaldo and Cano with four goals each.
These decisive matches on December 14 encapsulated the fierce competition and high stakes the Copa do Brasil is known for, setting the stage for an exciting final.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.