Sabasports Match Preview
Copa do Brasil: Corinthians vs Athletico Paranaense
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-11 08:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
This is the second leg of the 2025 Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, with Corinthians currently leading 1-0 on aggregate. Corinthians has always placed great importance on cup competitions, having won the Copa do Brasil in the 2022 season. With no hope of winning the league and already eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana group stage, Corinthians will focus their efforts on the Copa do Brasil. The team’s roster includes five players valued at over €10 million. Among them, Argentine attacking midfielder Rodrigo Garro has been the most impactful, serving as the linchpin for the team’s transition between offense and defense. The goal in the first leg was scored by 18-year-old Gui Negao, who currently plays for Corinthians U17 and is considered a rising star. This indicates that Corinthians held back in the first leg, not fielding their strongest lineup.
Athletico Paranaense has a glorious history, having won the Copa Sudamericana in 2021 and finished as runners-up in the Copa Libertadores in 2022. Last season, burdened by cup competitions and the departure of several key players, the team was relegated after finishing fourth from the bottom. They subsequently began a rebuilding process, bringing in promising young talents and experienced veterans to guide the team’s development. Currently, one of the more notable players is Alan Kardec, who previously played in the Chinese Super League. At 36, he remains sharp and has contributed five goals in the league this season. The team’s top scorer is Renan, a former Corinthians U20 player, who has scored six league goals. Thanks to the players’ efforts, Athletico Paranaense has scored 34 league goals, making them the second-most potent attacking team in the Brazilian Serie B. If they can improve their defense, they have a chance to return to the top flight.
In terms of total squad value, Corinthians is worth €113 million, ranking fourth in the Brazilian Serie A, while Athletico Paranaense is valued at just €35.48 million, which would place them fifth from the bottom in the Serie A—essentially at the level of a relegation-threatened team. This highlights the significant gap in quality between the two sides. From a fitness perspective, Corinthians had no league match last week, allowing them to better prepare for this cup tie. In contrast, Athletico Paranaense just played a league match on September 7, meaning their players may not be at peak physical condition. Without even a fitness advantage, the already disadvantaged Athletico Paranaense may suffer a double defeat at the hands of Corinthians.
Corinthians’ Last 5 Games: DWWLL
25-09-01 Corinthians 1-1 Palmeiras
25-08-28 Athletico Paranaense 0-1 Corinthians
25-08-25 Vasco da Gama 2-3 Corinthians
25-08-17 Corinthians 1-2 Bahia
25-08-12 Juventude 2-1 Corinthians
Athletico Paranaense‘s Last 5 Games: WWLWD
25-09-07 Botafogo SP 1-3 Athletico Paranaense
25-08-31 Athletico Paranaense 2-1 Novorizontino
25-08-28 Athletico Paranaense 0-1 Corinthians
25-08-24 CRB 0-1 Athletico Paranaense
25-08-17 Athletico Paranaense 1-1 Cuiaba
Head-To-Head Record
25-08-28 Athletico Paranaense 0-1 Corinthians
24-10-18 Corinthians 5-2 Athletico Paranaense
24-06-24 Athletico Paranaense 1-1 Corinthians
23-11-02 Corinthians 1-0 Athletico Paranaense
23-06-25 Athletico Paranaense 1-0 Corinthians
Prediction: Corinthians to win