Dutch striker Memphis Depay scored in the first half as Corinthians secured a 1-0 away win over Cruzeiro in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil semifinal on Wednesday.

Depay tapped in from point-blank range in the 22nd minute at the Mineirao after Yuri Alberto headed down Andre Carrillo's cross from the right flank.

The visitors took control thereafter to take the advantage going into Sunday's second leg in Sao Paulo.

"This first leg was very important," Depay said after the match. "It was a tough game because Cruzeiro is a strong team. But we managed to score and then we defended well. Our center backs were really switched on.

"Now we're going to relax, rest and prepare for our next match. We'll be playing in front of our fans, who are very important to us. We want to win this title for them."

Vasco da Gama will host Fluminense in the first leg of the other semifinal at Sao Januario Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.