Brasileirão Feminino QF: Corinthians Women Host Cruzeiro Women at Canindé Looking to Seal Semifinal Spot
Defending champions Corinthians Women host Cruzeiro Women at Estádio do Canindé for the second leg of the Brasileirão Feminino quarterfinals. Carrying a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, the home side needs only a draw to secure their place in the semifinals.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match marks the decisive second leg of the 2026 Brasileirão Feminino A1 quarterfinals. In the first leg, Corinthians Women secured a late 1-0 away victory at Arena Independência, courtesy of an added-time goal by Vic Albuquerque. Due to tournament regulations requiring knockout stage venues to have a capacity of over 10,000, Corinthians had to move the match from their usual Fazendinha home to Estádio do Canindé. Entering this second leg, Corinthians only need a draw to advance, while Cruzeiro must win by a margin of one goal to force a penalty shootout, or by two or more goals to progress directly. The aggregate winner will face Bahia in the semifinals.
Recent Form
Defending champions Corinthians Women boast an incredible record at Estádio do Canindé. Since reactivating their women's program in 2016, they have played 21 times at the venue, recording 19 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 defeat. Despite dealing with off-pitch financial issues regarding delayed image rights payments, their competitive form remains high. Meanwhile, Cruzeiro Women warmed up for this tie with a resounding 9-0 victory in their state championship opener, though manager Jonas Urias rested his entire starting lineup for that game. Cruzeiro performed well during the regular season but have historically struggled against the formidable Corinthians side.
Key Players & Injury News
Corinthians Women's head coach Emily Lima is expected to maintain the same starting eleven from the first leg, keeping match-winner Vic Albuquerque as an impactful option on the bench. The squad remains highly lethal with key figures like Gabi Zanotti and Duda Sampaio leading the midfield and attack. Conversely, Cruzeiro Women are heavily depleted by an injury crisis, missing defenders Tainara and Paloma Maciel, fullback Laura, midfielder Gaby Soares, and forwards Millene and Ravenna. The visitors will heavily rely on the league's top scorer Marília (10 goals) and creative force Byanca Brasil to overturn the deficit.