Corinthians turned the Maracanã into their fortress, overcoming Vasco in a tense second leg to claim the 2025 Copa do Brasil crown on a 2-1 aggregate.

Yuri Alberto struck first in the 18th minute, capitalizing on sharp interplay to give Timão the lead, only for Vasco’s Nuno Moreira to level terms before halftime with a close-range header.

The game shifted decisively in the 63rd minute when Breno Bidon surged forward, feeding Alberto, who unselfishly laid off for Depay to tap in unchallenged past an exposed keeper. Depay’s finish not only restored the advantage but etched his name deeper into Corinthians lore, following his semifinal heroics against Cruzeiro, where he scored and converted in the shootout.

Road to redemption through knockout chaos

This triumph caps a grueling knockout campaign for Corinthians, who navigated a turbulent 2025 marked by presidential upheaval, with Augusto Melo impeached and Osmar Stábile stepping in. The victory punches their ticket straight to the 2026 Libertadores group stage, a vital boost for a club hungry to reclaim continental relevance after domestic struggles.

Depay emerged as the tournament’s talisman, blending flair with finishing across key ties and silencing doubters who questioned his adaptation to Brazilian football’s intensity. Yuri Alberto’s dual threat alongside him underscored Timão’s attacking evolution under Dorival Júnior, turning a season of uncertainty into silverware celebration.

Post-title outburst demands club overhaul

Fresh off lifting the trophy, Depay unleashed a passionate rant on Rádio Bandeirantes, targeting directors he accused of sabotaging the club’s progress. He urged those intent on derailing Corinthians to leave immediately, insisting the faithful deserve annual Brasileirão and Libertadores contention backed by proper infrastructure.

The Dutch star positioned himself as a structural catalyst, demanding collective support to elevate Timão beyond sporadic triumphs. His words, raw and unfiltered, resonated with a fanbase that views this cup as a foundation for greater ambitions rather than an endpoint in a rebuild year.