
The Brazilian Cup Final took place in Sao Paulo last night. The match between Corinthians and Cruzeiro were highly expected, mainly for the home side, Corinthians, who were said to be the underdogs plus lost the first leg away by 1-0 and the whole squad and its supporters were confident on a comeback.
On the other side, we had Cruzeiro. The Blues from Minas Gerais were defending their title as they won the same cup last year, against Flamengo on the Penalty shootouts. Cruzeiro were certainly the favorites to even win the second leg away.
However, Corinthians were brave. They started the game at an incredible pace and they could threat Goalkeeper Fabio in some occasions. Everything indicated that the game would be solved on the single details.
And the away side could take advantage of it. At the 28th, Robinho – not THAT Robinho, just a random one – got the ball from outside the box and fired home straight to the bottom corner. 1-0 Cruzeiro.
The Lula Arena got silenced with the away side opener. The home side needed to respond on the pitch. At the 36th, Jadson’s excellent cross found defender Henrique, alone inside of the area. But his header went wide.
After the break, Corinthians managed to quickly equalize the game as at the 51st, midfielder Ralf got fouled in the area. After 4 long minutes reviewing it through the VAR, the referee confirmed the Penalty which was converted by Jadson, who fired home into the left bottom corner, sending Fabio to the wrong side. 1-1.
The Lulao was on fire again and Corinthians had a chance. If they scored another one, they would go to the Penalty shootouts.
At the 69th, Pedrinho got the rebound and attempted from distance. He was lucky enough that his effort deflected off and ended up looping over Fabio. What a goal from Corinthians youth.
However… 2 minutes later, the goal was canceled due to a foul before Pedrinho’s shot. All even again.
Corinthians were full attack as Cruzeiro held on as they could. On a counter-attack, they killed the game though. Striker Raniel drove forward and passed it to Puskas nominee Giorgian Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan got into the area and cleverly slotted home, over goalkeeper Cassio. 2-1 Cruzeiro.
The referee gave 7 minutes of additional time and Corinthians had chances to at least equalize, but it wasn’t enough to deny Cruzeiro.
Congratulations, Cruzeiro! It was their 6th Brazilian Cup in History and their 2nd one in a row.