Mengão has the upper hand after a 3-1 victory at Maracanã; Galo needs to win by three goals to be champion or by two to go to penalties
This Sunday (10), they face each other at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, in the decisive game of the final. With a long history of rivalry, the confrontation between the clubs goes far beyond a dispute for another trophy. At stake are also a place in the 2025 Libertadores and a millionaire prize, increasing the pressure on both teams. In the first meeting of the final, held at Maracanã, Fla emerged victorious 3-1, with two goals from Gabigol and one from Arrascaeta, imposing on Galo the need for a significant turnaround to win the title. To lift the cup in regular time, Atlético needs to win by three goals; A two-goal victory will take the decision to penalties.
In addition to the trophy, the match is also worth a place in the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Although both clubs are still in the fight for the G-4 of the Brasileirão, winning the national tournament would eliminate this uncertainty for next year. Another motivation is the prize offered by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF): the champion will receive R$71.5 million, while the runner-up will receive R$31.5 million.
The rivalry between Atlético-MG and Flamengo began to intensify in the late 70s and was consolidated with major clashes in the following years. In 1980, Mengão was Brazilian champion over Galo. In 1981, the Rio team beat the Minas Gerais team in the Libertadores, increasing the competitive atmosphere among the fans. In more recent disputes, this decade, each team achieved important victories over the other, such as in the 2022 Super Cup, won by Atlético, and in the Copa do Brasil, where Flamengo emerged victorious in most of the eliminatory duels (see below).
Atlético-MG arrives at this final with an irregular performance in the last matches, but has demonstrated strength with the starting lineup, especially in the knockout stages. Flamengo, which has a superior performance, also arrives confident, especially after the good result in the first leg and its solid campaign in the competition. With expectations high, the fans are waiting for a game marked by a lot of emotion and intensity, where Galo will seek to reverse the red-black advantage and win the third Brazilian Cup championship. Favorite after the good victory in Rio, Mengão is looking for the penta.
Retrospect
- Final of the 1980 Brazilian Championship: Flamengo champion
- 1981 Libertadores group stage play-off game: Flamengo advanced
- Round of 16 of the 1986 Brazilian Championship: Atlético-MG advanced
- 1987 Brazilian Championship Semifinal: Flamengo advanced
- 2006 Copa do Brasil quarter-finals: Flamengo advanced
- 2014 Copa do Brasil quarter-finals: Atlético-MG advanced
- 2022 Brazilian Super Cup: Atlético-MG champion
- Round of 16 of the 2022 Copa do Brasil: Flamengo advanced
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the help of AI
