In an exciting matchup set for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 21:30 Brasília time, Novorizontino will host Corinthians at the Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi in Novo Horizonte for the first leg of the third phase of the Copa Betano do Brasil. This match marks a significant moment for both teams, particularly for Corinthians, as they debut in this year’s tournament.
Corinthians, under the new management of Dorival Júnior, will look to bounce back after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Flamengo in the Brasileirão. This loss has put pressure on the team, which has experienced three defeats in their last five games. Júnior, who replaced Ramón Díaz, is eager to instill a winning mentality and turn the team's fortunes around starting with this crucial cup match.
On the other side, Novorizontino comes into this game with confidence after a strong performance in their last outing, where they defeated Athletico-PR 2-1 in the Série B. The team has been on an unbeaten streak, with two wins and three draws in their last five matches, positioning them close to the playoff spots in the second division of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Coach Umberto Louzer is looking to continue this momentum, although he will be without key player Robson, who is sidelined due to injury.
Both teams have had a successful run in the Copa do Brasil so far, with Novorizontino eliminating Rio Branco-AC and Operário-MS in the earlier rounds. This encounter will be their first meeting since the Paulistão, where Corinthians edged Novorizontino 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alex Santana. The stakes are high as they battle for advancement in this prestigious tournament.
Fans can catch the action live on SporTV and Premiere, as anticipation builds around this pivotal clash. The return leg is scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, where the aggregate score will determine who advances to the next stage.
As for the lineups, Novorizontino will field a solid team featuring Airton in goal, supported by defenders Rafael Donato, Dantas, and Patrick. The midfield will include Igor Formiga, Luís Oyama, Marlon, Matheus Frizzo, and Patrick Brey, while Waguininho and Pablo Dyego will lead the attack. Meanwhile, Corinthians will rely on Hugo Souza in goal, with Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, and Angileri forming the backline. The midfield trio will consist of Raniele, Martínez, and Carrillo, with Breno Bidon and Romero supporting striker Yuri Alberto.
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO) will officiate the match, with Bruno Raphael Pires and André Luiz Severo as assistants and Adriano de Assis Miranda overseeing VAR.
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams aiming to secure a favorable result as they vie for a place in the next round of the Copa do Brasil. With the debut of Dorival Júnior at the helm of Corinthians and Novorizontino's current form, fans can expect an intense battle on the pitch.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating night of football as Novorizontino and Corinthians clash in this knockout stage of the Copa Betano do Brasil.
