State derbies highlight the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals as the draw defines decisive matchups.
The quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil promise intense excitement with the setting of three state derbies. The draw held by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) this Tuesday (11) shook the national scene by pairing major rivals at a crucial stage of the competition.
High-stakes state showdowns
The state of Minas Gerais will host a heavyweight clash between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG. In Rio Grande do Sul, the rivalry ignites with the matchup between Internacional and Grêmio. Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Palmeiras and Santos will write another chapter in their historic rivalry.
The only matchup featuring clubs from different states will be between Vasco and Vitória, maintaining geographic balance in the bracket.
Schedule and path to the final
The first-leg matches are scheduled for August 26 and 27, with the return legs taking place on September 2 and 3. The semifinal bracket sets up a showdown between the winners of the Gaúcho and Mineiro derbies.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Vasco vs. Vitória tie will face whoever comes out on top in the São Paulo duel between Palmeiras and Santos. The grand final of the Copa do Brasil will be decided in a single-leg match, increasing the tension and unpredictability.
Technology and prize money on the line
Starting from this stage, the competition will implement the semi-automated offside system, a technological tool aimed at assisting referees and bringing more precision to on-field decisions.
For the clubs that reach the semifinals, the financial reward is significant: R$ 9 million in prize money.
New spots in the Libertadores
This year’s Copa do Brasil brings an additional incentive. The competition, which began in February with 126 teams, will for the first time distribute two direct spots for the Copa Libertadores.
The champion secures a place in the group stage of the 2027 Libertadores, while the runner-up will compete in the preliminary round of the continental tournament. The decided matchups, therefore, put not only national glory at stake but also a ticket to the South American stage.
Equipe M360
