Vasco da Gama defeated Fluminense on penalties after an aggregate draw to secure a spot in the 2025 Copa do Brasil final. Earlier, Corinthians overcame Cruzeiro in a penalty shootout following a tie and joined the Rio club in the showdown. The final will be played over two legs on December 17 and 21.
The 2025 Copa do Brasil semifinals were decided on penalties in both matchups. In the Rio derby at Maracanã on Sunday (December 14), Fluminense beat Vasco 1-0 in regular time, with an own goal by Paulo Henrique at the 35th minute of the first half, from a play started by Samuel Xavier and a cross by Canobbio to Everaldo. The aggregate ended 2-2, as Vasco had won the first leg 2-1. In the shootout, Vasco triumphed 4-3, with John Kennedy and Canobbio missing for Flu.
In the other tie at Neo Química Arena in Itaquera, Cruzeiro led 2-0 with two goals from Arroyo: the first at the 39th minute of the first half, heading in a Willian cross, and the second at the 4th minute of the second half, after a pass from Kaio Jorge. Bidu pulled one back for Corinthians at the 9th minute, heading in after a Garro cross and André Ramalho layoff, tying the aggregate at 2-2 (first leg: 1-0 to Timão). On penalties, Corinthians won 5-4, with Hugo Souza saving from Gabigol and Wallace; Yuri Alberto missed for the black-and-whites, but Cássio saved one for Cruzeiro.
Cruzeiro coach Leonardo Jardim mourned the exit: “Today is a day of mourning, great sadness for the Cruzeiro family.” He praised the team's campaign, which finished third in the Brasileirão and secured a 2026 Libertadores spot, but did not confirm his stay, scheduling a board meeting for Monday.
The Corinthians-Vasco final promises a tight contest, with both clubs returning to the decider after years: Vasco after 14, and Timão chasing a fourth title. The runner-up prize is R$ 33.075 million, with R$ 44.1 million for the champions.