What Happened in Brazilian Soccer Yesterday (Thursday, September 11th, 2025)

Atlético-MG

• Atletico-MG was eliminated by Cruzeiro, exposing planning flaws and recurring set-piece problems that even Sampaoli could not fix in his debut.

• Hulk acknowledged Cruzeiro’s superiority in Atletico-MG’s elimination and promised focus on the team’s recovery under Sampaoli in the Brasileirão.

• Sampaoli had an agitated debut full of gestures in Atletico-MG’s loss, but despite provocations from Cruzeiro fans, he did not react.

Bahia

• Bahia defeated Ceará 2-1 in the first leg of the U-20 Northeast Cup final, with goals from João Andrade and Dell. The return leg will be at Fonte Nova, where Bahia only needs a draw to become champions.

• Bahia vs Internacional, a postponed match from the 14th round of the Brasileirão, was scheduled by the CBF for October 22, 7 p.m., at Arena Fonte Nova. The team also has another rescheduled match against Vasco on September 24, at São Januário.

• Coach Ceni demanded more personality from Bahia in away games, criticizing the difference in attitude compared to home performances at Fonte Nova, particularly after the heavy defeat against Mirassol.

Botafogo

• Botafogo earned R$ 10.7 million in prize money from the Copa do Brasil, despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Vasco. Across competitions like the Club World Cup, Libertadores, and Super Cups, the club has already collected nearly R$ 200 million in 2025.

• Coach Davide Ancelotti lamented Botafogo’s elimination against Vasco in the Copa do Brasil, calling it “a huge disappointment” after dominating the match but losing on penalties. The team now focuses on the Brasileirão to secure a Libertadores spot in 2026.

• SAF owner John Textor admitted management mistakes in 2025 after Botafogo’s Copa do Brasil elimination but avoided details. He cited planning failures, player departures, and administrative instability as factors behind the frustrating season.

Ceará

• Ceará intends to exercise the purchase options for Matheus Bahia, Galeano, and Fabiano if the team remains in Série A, with other names potentially included before the end of the season.

• With 26 points in 21 matches, Ceará is having its 2nd best campaign in the Série A era of the points system, behind only 2010. The team is in 11th place and faces Vasco on Sunday.

Corinthians

• Corinthians owns 50% of Yuri Alberto’s rights and must transfer 10% of any future transfer fee to agent André Cury, while keeping the player tied to the club until June 2030.

• Corinthians owns 80% of Gui Negão’s economic rights, while the forward holds the remaining 20%, under contract until June 2030 with a high release clause.

• Corinthians is still seeking destinations for Matheus Donelli and Héctor Hernández, who are not being used and may only be transferred in open markets; otherwise, they will remain until January 2026.

Cruzeiro

• Coach Leonardo Jardim celebrated Cruzeiro’s win over Atletico-MG as a personal gift to the fans and projected full focus on upcoming competitions.

• Cruzeiro dominated Atletico-MG in both legs, showing organization and efficiency under Jardim, with Kaio Jorge shining as they advanced to the Copa do Brasil semifinals.

• Kaio Jorge decided the derby with two goals, mocked Atletico-MG with a plastic chicken, and celebrated his lightning-fast recovery from injury.

Flamengo

• Bruno Henrique’s defense seeks to overturn his 12-match suspension at the STJD, arguing prescription, lack of proof of manipulation, and defending his reputation, hoping for acquittal in the new trial.

• Plata was given a day off and missed training, while Viña, Carrascal, and Samuel Lino returned to Flamengo after the FIFA break.

• Ryan Roberto, Flamengo’s 17-year-old prospect, trained with the senior squad and could be selected by Filipe Luís against Juventude.

Fluminense

• Fluminense’s SAF proposal includes creating a Board of Directors with eight members (six appointed by the SAF and two by the association) and an Investment Committee linked to the board. The LZ Sports group plans to acquire 65% of the SAF, with an initial R$ 500 million injection, assume R$ 871 million in debt, and invest R$ 6.4 billion over ten years.

• Lucho Acosta played a decisive role in Fluminense’s win over Bahia, contributing to the penalty that opened the scoring and adding creativity. Signed for US$ 4 million, the Argentine midfielder is proving to be an important piece for Renato Gaúcho.

• Thiago Silva scored a crucial goal in Fluminense’s win over Bahia, revealed he played with injections for neck pain, and highlighted a rehearsed play in training. At 40, he received praise from Renato Gaúcho, who lobbied for his 2026 World Cup call-up.

Fortaleza

• Fortaleza introduced defender Lucas Gazal, 26, on loan from Atlético-GO until the end of the season. He highlighted his quick adaptation and promised to help the team recover.

• Forward Moisés relapsed with a thigh injury during training and will undergo further evaluation by Fortaleza’s medical department.

• Against Vitória, Fortaleza will miss Moisés and also Palermo won’t have Kuscevic, Tinga, and Benevenuto available. Ávila and Brítez are options for defense, while Mancuso is likely to play at full-back.

Grêmio

• Grêmio will field Arthur as a starter and has practically defined its lineup against Mirassol, aiming to bounce back in the Brasileirão starting from the 23rd round.

• Reinaldo looks forward to a special reunion with Grêmio against Mirassol, highlighting the team’s progress under Mano Menezes and the tough match expected at the Arena in the 23rd Brasileirão round.

Internacional

• Internacional released 11 players, including Enner Valencia, reducing its wage bill by R$ 2.6 million while seeking recovery in the Brasileirão.

• Internacional is expected to face Palmeiras with Rochet in goal, Borré rested, Ricardo Mathias starting in attack, and Victor Gabriel replacing the suspended Bernabei.

Juventude

• Defender Wilker Ángel returned from the Venezuelan national team and is expected to train starting Friday, partnering with Luan Freitas against Flamengo on Sunday in the 23rd Série A round at Alfredo Jaconi.

• Coach Thiago Carpini must decide Juventude’s lineup against Flamengo, considering absences, attacking options, and a possible formation change with Lucas Fernandes’ return. New signings Sforza and Negueba may also debut.

Mirassol

• Goalkeeper Walter revealed he considered retiring earlier in 2025 but found new motivation after joining Mirassol. Since then, he has become the starter, made key saves, and values the team’s strong performance.

• Recently signed forward Carlos Eduardo has already provided three assists in seven matches and seeks his first goal, praising the positive team environment and expressing confidence his chance will come at the right time.

Palmeiras

• Palmeiras officially presented Andreas Pereira, who signed until December 2028, is already registered with the BID, and may debut this Saturday (13) against Internacional in the Brasileirão.

• Palmeiras rejected an offer of over €15 million (around R$ 96 million), including bonuses and resale percentage, from Zenit for Riquelme Fillipi, reaffirming that the 18-year-old striker is key to the club’s future.

• Palmeiras trained with a full squad this Thursday, with Gómez, Martínez, Piquerez, Sosa, Flaco López, Andreas Pereira, Raphael Veiga, and Mauricio all available again for the match against Internacional.

Santos

• Alexis Duarte and Tomás Rincón returned to Santos this Thursday (11) after international duty and are expected to be available against Atletico-MG on Sunday (14), with Alexis still awaiting BID registration to debut.

• Midfielder Miguelito, a standout for Bolivia in the qualifiers and under contract with Santos until April 2027, returns to América-MG after the FIFA break, evaluating future opportunities without ruling out a possible return to Santos.

• Santos signed right-back Gabriel Follmer from Juventude on loan until August 2026 to strengthen their U-20 team in the Paulista. He is already registered with the BID and can debut.

São Paulo

• Enzo Díaz reached the target of playing 50% of matches, obligating São Paulo to buy him from River Plate for US$ 2 million for 60% of his rights, securing his stay until 2026.

• São Paulo made an official offer to Gustavo Somavilla, Grêmio’s performance analyst, who accepted the move, motivated by career advancement and a new challenge at the club.

• Turkish outlet Sabah reports that Besiktas is considering an offer for Ferreirinha, São Paulo’s standout player in 2025.

Sport Recife

• Colo Ramírez has gone two months at Sport without scoring, totaling five matches and just over 200 minutes. Currently a substitute, the Uruguayan competes for a spot with Derik Lacerda, Pablo, and Gonçalo Paciência.

• Sport will have seven players at risk of suspension against RB Bragantino: Matheus Alexandre, Caíque França, Zé Lucas, Christian Rivera, Pedro Augusto, Kevyson, and Lucas Lima. Four are starters, requiring caution to avoid suspensions in upcoming matches.

• The CBF rescheduled Atletico-MG vs Sport, for the 14th Brasileirão round, to October 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Arena MRV. Both teams still have one pending match: Sport against Flamengo and Atletico-MG against Fortaleza.

Vasco

• By reaching the Copa do Brasil semifinals, Vasco has already earned R$ 24 million in prize money. If they reach the final, the club could earn up to R$ 77 million as champions or R$ 33 million as runners-up.

• Fernando Diniz praised Robert Renan’s personality after his memorable debut for Vasco, where he decided the penalty shootout against Botafogo, erasing the stigma of his previous mistake at Internacional.

• Vasco overcame Botafogo’s pressure, held a 1-1 draw, and counted on goalkeeper Léo Jardim as the hero in penalties to secure a Copa do Brasil semifinal spot. Despite absences and scares, the team showed mental strength and will now face Fluminense.

Vitória

• Director Gustavo Vieira stated that Jamerson’s return in 2025 is unlikely as the left-back is recovering from a serious ankle fracture suffered in June. The 27-year-old should only be available in 2026 despite good progress in recovery.

• On Saturday (13), Vitória visits Fortaleza seeking its first away win in Série A after five draws and six defeats as visitors. The team is 17th with 22 points, while Fortaleza is 19th with 15 points and comes from four straight losses.

• Vitória signed Ecuadorian striker Kike Saverio, formerly of Barcelona and Aris (Greece). The 26-year-old arrives in Salvador tomorrow to sign a contract until December, with an automatic renewal clause for another year.