Cruzeiro Hosts Corinthians in Crucial Copa do Brasil Semifinal Preview
Cruzeiro and Corinthians face off in a key match previewing their Copa do Brasil semifinal, with Libertadores qualification and recent team updates at stake.
- • Match on November 23 at Mineirão previews Copa do Brasil semifinal scheduled for December 10 and 14.
- • Corinthians aims for Libertadores qualification, currently 8 points behind Bahia.
- • Cruzeiro returns key players from suspension but has injury absences.
- • Corinthians is missing Memphis Depay due to knee injury but welcomes back Raniele and Rodrigo Garro.
Key details
On November 23, 2025, Cruzeiro welcomes Corinthians to Mineirão for a pivotal match that serves as a preview to their upcoming Copa do Brasil semifinal clash. This encounter carries significant implications for both teams, particularly concerning qualification for the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians currently sit at 45 points in the league, eight points shy of Bahia, who occupies the last G7 qualifying spot. With the Copa do Brasil potentially offering an extra Libertadores slot this season, the stakes are high as Corinthians still harbor hopes of continental qualification.
Cruzeiro, meanwhile, impresses with a nine-match unbeaten streak in the league but has recently experienced two frustrating draws. They have key players Matheus Pereira, Christian, and Keny Arroyo back from suspension yet face absences due to injuries and contractual issues involving Wanderson, Marquinhos, Matheus Henrique, and Fagner. Corinthians are coping without star Memphis Depay, sidelined by a knee injury, and Matheus Bidu, though they have regained Raniele and Rodrigo Garro for this contest.
Their last meeting ended in a 0-0 stalemate, raising anticipation for this preview match ahead of the Copa do Brasil semifinal first leg on December 10 and the return on December 14. Despite Flamengo leading the Brasileiro with 74 points and Palmeiras trailing at 70, Cruzeiro remains focused on maximizing their 65 points tally, even as the league title appears increasingly out of reach given Flamengo's dominance.
This match is crucial not only for immediate bragging rights but also for positioning ahead of the Copa do Brasil semifinals and reinforcing each team's playoff ambitions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.