Corinthians Prioritize Copa do Brasil Semifinal, Field Alternate Squad in Final Série A Match
Corinthians rest key players in final Série A match to prepare for Copa do Brasil semifinal against Cruzeiro.
- • Corinthians host Juventude in the final Série A match on December 7, 2025, focusing on the Copa do Brasil semifinal.
- • Coach Dorival Júnior fields an alternate squad, resting key injured players including Yuri Alberto and Rodrigo Garro.
- • Corinthians currently 10th in Série A with 46 points; Juventude already relegated and in second-to-last place with 34 points.
- • Upcoming Copa do Brasil semifinal against Cruzeiro on December 10 takes priority over league match.
Key details
On December 7, 2025, Corinthians hosted Juventude in the 38th round of the Brazilian Série A at Neo Química Arena, strategically focusing on their upcoming Copa do Brasil semifinal against Cruzeiro scheduled for December 10. With little to gain in the league standings—Corinthians sitting 10th with 46 points and able only to climb to 9th for a Copa Sul-Americana spot—coach Dorival Júnior opted to rest key players, deploying an alternate lineup for the match. Notable absences included Yuri Alberto and Rodrigo Garro, both sidelined with injuries.
Corinthians had recently lost 2-1 to Fortaleza, while Juventude, already relegated and in second-to-last place with 34 points, came into the match after a 3-0 defeat to Santos. Juventude’s coach Thiago Carpini maintained a three-defender formation, adjusting his squad due to suspensions and returning players, aiming to end their difficult season on a competitive note.
The match referee was Felipe Fernandes de Lima, with live broadcasting provided by Premiere. Corinthians’ priority remains firmly on preparing for the crucial Copa do Brasil semifinal, a competition where they have greater ambitions than in the closing rounds of the national league.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.