Flamengo beat Corinthians in shootout to win classic Copa do Brasil final

The cup final in Brazil is a big deal. There is huge prize money on offer and the local culture loves knockout games — especially when the two most popular clubs in country meet for the most important encounter in their history of rivalry.

A week ago, Corinthians of Sao Paulo were held 0-0 at home by Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro. The return game could have sold out Rio’s Maracana stadium 20 times over. In the hours leading up to kick off there were attempts by ticketless fans to storm their way in. However they got in there, everyone in the ground will carry away memories of an evening of high drama which came to an almost unbearable conclusion when the game went to a penalty shootout.

Bearing in mind the tension of the moment, those brave enough to step forward to the spot kept their nerve well. Flamengo missed first, when former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis had his kick saved by giant Corinthians keeper Cassio. Corinthians were two kicks away from the title when their right-back Fagner blasted his shot against the bar. Corinthians missed again with their seventh kick, Mateus Vital shooting too high. Another defender, Flamengo right-back Rodinei, made no mistake, and the Rio team could celebrate in front of their own fans.

– Stats: Flamengo 1-1 Corinthians (FLA win 6-5 on pens)
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

All of this followed a 1-1 draw that was never less than absorbing. Flamengo were the favourites, but the absence through suspension of midfielder Joao Gomes was a concern. His lung power helps balance out an attacking side, and without him Corinthians thought their midfield maestro Renato Augusto would have more space to pull the strings.

That looked a likely scenario in the first minute, when he had a shot saved. Corinthians had made a change from last week, replacing…