Title decision completely open for the return match, at Maracanã, on Sunday (21) at 6pm
and drew 0-0 this Wednesday (18), at Neo Química Arena, in the first game of the final . In front of their fans, the São Paulo team had difficulty creating, showed little offensive effectiveness and left the title decision completely open for the second leg, at Maracanã.
The final will be played on Sunday (21), at 6pm, in Rio de Janeiro. Whoever wins gets the title; In the event of a new tie on the aggregate score, the decision will be on penalties. Three-time champions of the tournament (1995, 2002 and 2009), Corinthians are looking for their fourth title, while Vasco, champions in 2011, are trying to lift the cup for the second time.
Driven by the cry of “game of a lifetime” coming from the stands, Corinthians started the match with high marking and attempted pressure in the first minutes. Vasco, however, showed defensive organization, reduced spaces and began to exploit the home team’s passing errors. In one of these moves, Rayan scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The scare made Corinthians resort to long throws and set pieces. Memphis Depay found the net after a rehearsed charge, but again the referee pointed out an irregular position. The game was truncated, with many errors in midfield. Rodrigo Garro, named as starter, performed discreetly, and Yuri Alberto went practically unnoticed, without receiving balls in a finishing condition. Vasco, with Andrés Gómez on the left side, was slightly superior, but also made mistakes in attacking decisions.
In the second half, Dorival Júnior promoted changes, with the addition of Maycon and André Carrillo, trying to give the team more dynamics. Still, Corinthians remained nervous and uncreative. Vasco began to exchange passes calmly from the defense, gained ground and maintained a greater offensive presence, although without frequently hitting the target.
The dissatisfaction of the Corinthians fans increased with the excess of errors, while Vasco was once again in danger from a dead ball, when Barros hit the post after a corner kick. Dorival still tried to change the scenario with Vitinho replacing Garro, arming the team with three attackers, but offensive production remained limited.
Corinthians’ best chance came in the final stretch, when Yuri Alberto finished in the small area and forced Léo Jardim to make a great save with his foot. The move, however, was again invalidated due to offside.
With the goalless draw, the decision for the Copa do Brasil remains open. Corinthians will need to win away from home to win the title, while Vasco takes the dispute to Maracanã confident after controlling the game in São Paulo.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
