Corinthians Clinch 2025 Copa do Brasil Title with a 2-1 Win over Vasco at Maracanã
Corinthians defeat Vasco 2-1 at Maracanã to win their fourth Copa do Brasil title, ending an eight-year trophy drought with key goals from Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay.
- • Corinthians win 2025 Copa do Brasil final 2-1 against Vasco at Maracanã.
- • Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay score for Corinthians; Nuno Moreira scores for Vasco.
- • Memphis Depay scores decisive goal and criticizes club management post-match.
- • Tactical changes include Corinthians substituting Maycon for Rodrigo Garro; Vasco maintains same lineup.
- • Victory ends Corinthians' eight-year national trophy drought and marks their fourth Copa do Brasil title.
Key details
Corinthians secured the 2025 Copa do Brasil championship with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Vasco da Gama on December 21 at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. The win, witnessed by 67,111 fans, ended Corinthians' eight-year drought in national competitions and earned the club their fourth Copa do Brasil title, tying them with Palmeiras as the second most successful club in the history of the tournament.
The match began with Corinthians taking an early lead through Yuri Alberto, who scored the opener. Vasco quickly responded before halftime, with Nuno Moreira leveling the score, setting the stage for an intense second half. The winning goal came from Dutch striker Memphis Depay, whose strike restored Corinthians' advantage and ultimately decided the final.
Depay, a pivotal figure throughout the tournament, has been influential in key moments, including crucial goals against Palmeiras and Cruzeiro en route to the final. Despite previous financial disputes involving a R$ 6.1 million debt related to bonuses and image rights, Depay has emerged as a fan favorite, strengthening the bond with Corinthians supporters through his commitment both on and off the pitch. Earning R$ 3 million monthly, he is set to receive an additional R$ 4.7 million for securing the title. Following the triumph, Depay spoke candidly about the club's management, urging clarity and dedication: "The people in the board need to wake up... If you want to mess up Corinthians, leave this club."
Tactically, the final saw contrasting approaches: Vasco's coach Fernando Diniz fielded an unchanged lineup from the first leg, while Corinthians' coach Dorival Júnior made a strategic substitution, introducing Maycon for Rodrigo Garro to bolster midfield defense. Vasco managed the game despite missing reserve midfielder Matheus Cocão due to injury and the absence of Lucas Piton since the semifinal.
Corinthians’ path to the final was marked by victories over tough competitors like Palmeiras, Athletico-PR, and Cruzeiro, highlighting their resilience and quality throughout the tournament.
Overall, the victory not only brought silverware but also revived Corinthians’ status in Brazilian football, providing fans with a momentous celebration and setting a positive tone for the club's future ambitions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.