Leonardo de Sá
This Sunday, Vasco and Corinthians will face each other again to define the champion of the 2025 Copa do Brasil. After the goalless draw in the first leg, at the Neo Química Arena, in Itaquera, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro arrive on equal terms for the decision at Maracanã. The duel marks another chapter in a history that, since the 2000s, has been largely favorable to Corinthians — especially in decisive clashes.
In the general overview from 2000 to today, Corinthians and Vasco faced each other 49 times. The São Paulo club has 23 victories, compared to just eight for the Cruzmaltino team, in addition to 18 draws. In eliminatory matches, the retrospect also weighs on the black and white side, with remarkable classifications and decisive chapters in the recent history of Brazilian football.
2000 Club World Cup Final
The first major knockout clash between Corinthians and Vasco at the “beginning” of the century took place on one of the most emblematic stages possible. In January 2000, the teams decided the FIFA Club World Cup titleat Maracanã. It was a test tournament for the entity, but with the weight of a World Cup.
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After solid campaigns in the group stage — which featured opponents like Real Madrid and Manchester United —, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro reached the final of national football dreams. On the field, balance prevailed. The game ended in a 0-0 draw in normal time, leading to decision for penalties. In the penalties, Corinthians prevailed and won the first world title in its historya milestone that would be repeated 12 years later, in Japan, against Chelsea.
2012 Libertadores
At the beginning of the 2010s, Corinthians and Vasco crossed paths again at a time of national protagonism for both. In 2012, the clubs faced each other in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. On that occasion, the teams played out a goalless draw in the first game, in São Januário, leaving everything the same for the second leg at Pacaembu.
The decision’s first big chance came when Diego Souza came face to face with goalkeeper Cássio. The number 12’s defense of the Vasco striker’s shot was one of his first “miracles” for the club, and would become one of the most emblematic moves of Corinthians trajectory in that Libertadores. When the match was heading towards another 0-0, Paulinho appeared in the 43rd minute of the second half to score a header and guarantee the 1-0 victory. The goal sent the stadium into a frenzy and sealed the team’s qualification.who would later eliminate Santos and Boca Juniors to win, undefeated, the first Libertadores in its history.
Other notable clashes
In addition to the great international duels, Corinthians and Vasco also played decisive clashes in national competitions.In 2009, the teams faced each other in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. After a 1-1 draw in Rio, the second leg ended 0-0. The away goal guaranteed Corinthians qualification. The team had Ronaldo Fenômeno as its main player.
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Vasco, however, also has a decisive chapter in this history. In 2007, the Rio club was the direct protagonist of one of the biggest frustrations in Corinthians history. In the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians needed to win at Pacaembu to avoid relegation. Vasco, however, won 1-0, with a goal from Alan Kardec, keeping the São Paulo team in the risk zone. In the final round, Corinthians’ draw with Grêmio, added to Goiás’ victory over Internacional, decreed the team’s drop to Series B.
Decision at Maracanã
The 2025 Copa do Brasil final adds a new chapter to this rivalry. The first game ended in a 0-0 draw, with two goals disallowed for offside. — one for each side. As a result, neither team has an advantage in the decisive match. The duel takes place on Sunday, at 6pm, at Maracanã. Whoever wins gets the title. In the event of a new draw, the decision will be on penalties, a scenario already known for Corinthians and Vasco in historic decisions.
