Corinthians reach Copa do Brasil round of 16 wanting to ‘wipe out the ghosts’

Corinthians have one more challenge before the end of the season and that could set the tone for 2025. Last Sunday (14/12), Timão beat Cruzeiro on penalties 5-4, thanks to a decisive performance from goalkeeper Hugo Souza, and secured a place in the final of the Brazilian Cup. Now the opponent will be Vasco, in a decision that could cap a year marked by instability on and off the pitch.

This will be the eighth time Corinthians have made the final of the country’s main knockout tournament. In its 115-year history, the club has three Copa do Brasil titles, won in 1995, 2002 and 2009, but still has an unfavorable record in terms of decisions, with more finalists than trophies won.

Timão reached the final in 1995, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2022. The victories came against Grêmio, Brasiliense and Internacional. In the other decisive confrontations, Corinthians ended up taking second place, beaten by Grêmio in 2001, by Sport in 2008, by Cruzeiro in 2018 and by Flamengo in 2022.

Corinthians and the ghost of 2022

The most recent final is still vivid in the memory of Corinthians fans. That year, Alvinegro faced a club from Rio and decided the title at the Maracanã, a scenario that repeats itself today. In 2022, after a 1-1 draw on aggregate, Corinthians ended up being beaten by Flamengo on penalties 6-5, under the orders of Dorival Júnior, current coach of the São Paulo club.

Since then, the casting has undergone a major overhaul. Of the players who participated in this decision, only Yuri Alberto and Maycon remain at the club. The striker started the final as a starter, while the midfielder came on in the second half.

Now, Corinthians are trying to shake off the ghost of that defeat and win their fourth Brazilian Cup title. On the other side, however, will be an equally motivated Vasco, who is looking to end a 14-year drought without winning the tournament. Cruzmaltino’s only title was won in 2011.

The final brings the Libertadores’ dream to life

The decision ranking also keeps Corinthians in the fight for a direct place in the group stage of the Libertadores 2026. Having finished the Brazilian Championship in only 13th place, the club was unable to qualify via the domestic league and is dependent on the Copa do Brasil title to return to the main continental tournament.

In addition to the sporting aspect, the campaign also has a direct impact on finances. Corinthians have already got at least 33 million reais just for reaching the final. However, adding up all the contested phases, the competition raised 53.6 million reais. The champion pockets around R$77.1 million, while the runner-up receives around R$33 million.

Corinthians’ numbers in the Copa do Brasil reinforce their good performance in the tournament. In eight matches played, the team won seven, achieving a success rate of 87.5%. The defensive system only conceded two goals, while the attack scored ten times throughout the campaign.

After a turbulent year behind the political and financial scenes, Timão found the path to affirmation during the knockout stage under the orders of Dorival Júnior, known as a historic cupbearer. Champions of São Paulo against Palmeiras, their biggest rival, Corinthians are now trying to close the season with another major title and turn instability into achievement.

Follow our content on social media: Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.