Corinthians Cruise Into Copa do Brasil Semi-Finals With Convincing Win Over Athletico- PR
Corinthians are back where they belong, in the Copa do Brasil semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year.
After a narrow 1- 0 win in Paraná, Timão made light work of Athletico Paranaense at the Neo Química Arena, cruising to a 2- 0 win on Wednesday evening( 10th September).
It wasn’t the best performance, but it was effective. Corinthians controlled the game from launch to finish and had to worry about counterattacks or dangerous plays.
GUI NEGÃOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
CORINTHIANS 2-0 ATHLETICO!pic.twitter.com/fqawQV7Kmd
— Todo Poderoso Timão (@PoderosoCor) September 11, 2025
In the first half, Athletico nearly set up the net, only for VAR to step in and rule out the goal after spotting a foul by Kevin Viveros in the build-up to the move.
That set the tone. Corinthians kept possession, dictated the tempo, and slowly wore their opponents down.
Just before half-time, Gui Negão snatched the ball off Filipinho, danced past Aguirre, and expertly laid it on a plate for Garro. “Garro, who got past Santos and finished into an empty net.”
With the scoreboard in their favour and the tie effectively sealed, manager Dorival Júnior surprised fans by substituting star forward Memphis Depay during injury time at the end of the first half.
According to Prime Video’s André Hernan, “the Dutchman felt some muscle discomfort and preferred not to take any risks.”
The alternate half turned out to be more dramatic than thrilling. It wasn’t the football that made captions but the refereeing opinions that kept the colosseum buzzing.
Athletico- PR protested loudly after an implicit penalty for Viveros was gestured off. Later, frustration boiled over when they demandedthat Vitinho be shown a red card for a harsh tackle on Dudu Kogitzki.
Meanwhile, Corinthians remained calm and clinical. They extended their advantage when Gui Negão, showing predatory instincts, pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and slotted home his second goal.
And just when it seemed like that was enough drama, the referee pointed to the spot again after a handball by Matheuzinho near the edge of the box following a cross from Léo Derick.
VAR reviewed the incident but upheld the decision. “The referee called a handball on Matheuzinho right on the edge of the box after a cross from Léo Derick. VAR called for a review, but referee Davi de Oliveira Lacerda confirmed the decision.”
However, Athletico’s hopes were dashed when Benavídez’s penalty effort was brilliantly saved by Hugo Souza.
With this solid win, Corinthians have not only secured a semi-final berth but also banked an additional R$9.9 million in prize money from the CBF.
Now, all eyes turn to who they’ll face next. Corinthians will take on the winner of Cruzeiro vs Atlético- MG, who presently lead 2- 0 from the first leg.
Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw, Fluminense has formerly reserved their spot after beating Bahia and will await the winner between Botafogo and Vasco, who drew 1- 1 in their first leg.
The semi-finals are slated for 10th and 14th December, setting the stage for another instigative chapter in this year’s Copa do Brasil.
