In a closely contested game in the middle with few clear chances of scoring, Corinthians and Vasco drew 0-0, this Wednesday (17), in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final.
The Neo Química Arena, Corinthians’ stadium, hosted a great party from the 47,339 fans present, the second biggest crowd at the venue this year, complete with Corinthian provocation at the players’ entrance.
With no advantage for either side, the definition of the Copa do Brasil champion will come at Maracanã, Sunday (21), under the orders of the Vasco fans. Tickets are already sold out.
One disallowed goal for each side
The first stage began with Vasco disturbing Corinthians’ ball output with coach Fernando Diniz’s traditional high pressure. Uncomfortable, the Corinthians defenders handed the ball to the Vasco fans.
On one of the opportunities, in the 18th minute, Andrés Gómez passed to Rayan, who finished low at Hugo Souza and scored, but the attacker was visibly offside. Goal disallowed.
Eight minutes later, another capital offside, but from Corinthians. In a rehearsed play, Gustavo Henrique headed the ball away, Yuri Alberto tried a bicycle kick and the ball was left for Memphis to score, which was also disallowed by the referee.
The remaining attempts in the first stage came from medium-range shots. Philippe Coutinho and Andrés Gómez tried for Vasco, while Raniele and Martínez finished for the home team, but without much danger.
The first half also ended with a yellow card for each team. Vasco defender Robert Renan received the ball at the beginning of the match, while Raniele was warned at the last minute for a harsh tackle on Gómez.
Changes at Corinthians, and Vasco hits the post
The final stage returned with a similar tone. Corinthians struggled under pressure from Vasco, who ended up not taking advantage of the regained possession of the ball. To try to correct it, Dorival Júnior started changing the team.
First, Maycon and Carrillo replaced Martínez and Breno Bidon after just eight minutes. Afterwards, Vitinho and André were replaced by Garro and Raniele. Until the 30th minute, Diniz hadn’t moved.
The first and best chances came from corners. First, Barros took advantage of Coutinho’s cross and, after a deflection by André Ramalho, ended up hitting the post.
At 28, Memphis took a corner and Gustavo Henrique rose high, but ended up heading wide. On the ground, only Coutinho was scared in a classy individual play that featured a deflection in the finish.
Decision at Maracanã
The grand final of the Copa do Brasil will be next Sunday (21st), at 6pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, the biggest stage for Brazilian football. Tickets for the match are already sold out.
Whoever wins the second game will be champion and, as a bonus, will guarantee a direct place in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores da América in 2026. In the event of a new draw, the decision will be in a penalty shootout.
