The stage is set for a thrilling Copa do Brasil decider as Juventude and São Paulo prepare to face off in the second leg of their fifth-round tie. With everything on the line, the action kicks off at 7 p.m. (Brasília time) this Wednesday (13) at the iconic Alfredo Jaconi stadium.

After a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at MorumBIS, São Paulo hold the advantage—a draw is all they need to advance. But Juventude are far from finished. To secure victory in regular time, they must win by at least two goals. A one-goal margin would send the tie to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, with a prize of R$3 million awaiting the winner.

Juventude come into this match on the back of two consecutive draws in Série B, leaving them ninth in the table with 12 points. The pressure is mounting on manager Roger Machado and his squad, especially after a disappointing run in the Brasileirão—just one win in their last five matches. The fans are restless, and qualification here could be the spark they need to turn things around.

However, Juventude face significant lineup challenges. Coach Maurício Barbieri will be without key players Jandrei and Iba Ly, both on loan from São Paulo. Full-backs Raí Ramos (injured) and Diogo Barbosa (suspended) are also unavailable, while Patryck Lanza remains sidelined with an injury. On a brighter note, there was speculation that Cauly might start, and that has been confirmed—a boost for the home side.

São Paulo, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns. Marcos Antônio and Lucas Moura are both in the medical department, but Roger Machado is still expected to field his strongest available XI. The mission is clear: secure qualification and ease the growing tension surrounding the team.

With Rodrigo Jose Pereira de Lima (PE) set to referee, this promises to be a high-stakes battle. Will Juventude rise to the occasion and force a dramatic finish, or will São Paulo's first-leg lead prove decisive? One thing is certain—football fans won't want to miss a minute of the action.