Memphis Depay gave Corinthians a significant advantage over Cruzeiro this Wednesday (10) in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-final. Thanks to a goal from the Dutchman, the São Paulo team won the match in Mineirão 1-0.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday (14), this time, at Corinthians, in Itaquera. The ball will roll at the Neo Química Arena at 6 p.m. (Brasilia time). Moving towards the decision, the home team will have the advantage of playing for a draw.
If the Minas Gerais team wins by goal difference, the place will be determined on penalties.
Favorites before the ball rolled due to their more balanced season, notably in the Brazilian Championship, in which they competed for the title and finished in third place, the Minas Gerais team saw Corinthians open the scoring in the first half, in the 22nd minute. Carrillo made a good move on the right, threw the ball into the penalty area, the defense tried to clear it, but it was left to the Corinthians number 10, who headed it with his head and only deflected it towards the goal.
Historical idol of Corinthians, but now wearing the celestial jersey, goalkeeper Cássio did not even have time to react when he saw the ball die in the back of the net.
The goal did not come by chance. Even away from home, Dorival Júnior’s team adopted an attacking attitude and dominated the match for much of the first stage. Depay was the team’s main name on the pitch.
The Dutchman was substituted 28 minutes into the second half as part of his plan to play at a high level. He arrived at the match having recently recovered from bone edema in his left knee and underwent intensive training, which included special programming and even a two-period practice, to face Cruzeiro.
Despite the small advantage, after half-time Corinthians played to manage the score and try their luck with a counter-attack. Cruzeiro, in turn, continued to look for a draw, but faced an inspired evening from goalkeeper Hugo, who made at least three important saves to secure the victory for the Parque São Jorge team.
“The first half is very important. A difficult match, because the Cruzeiro team is good. But we won a goal and defended well. The defenders were very focused and now they relax, rest, recover and prepare for the next match”, celebrated Memphis Depay.
After finishing the Brazilian championship in only 13th place, Corinthians began to view the Copa do Brasil as a great opportunity to save their season, earn a place for the 2026 Libertadores and also pocket a nice prize: the champion will receive 77 million reais. Hence the efforts of the black and white technical committee to get the Dutchman back into top shape.
The same care was also given to Rodrigo Garro, another who recently left the medical service. In the case of the Argentinian, Dorival chose to only bring him into play during the second stage. During the return match, the coach will be able to count on him again among the starters, forming the attacking trio alongside Depay and Yuri Alberto.
Despite the black and white advantage in the first match, for midfielder Lucas Silva, Cruzeiro has the ability to seek the result at Corinthians. “It was a very balanced match. In the big moments, especially in the second half, we had more control, we had more possession of the ball, we were more involved in the opponent’s attack,” he said. “We keep our heads calm, we leave here with our heads held high to go there and have a great match,” he added.
In the other semi-final, Vasco and Fluminense play the first leg this Thursday (11), at the Maracanã, at 8 p.m. (Brasilia time). The return match will take place at the same stadium, next Sunday (14), at 8:30 p.m.
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