Hurricane sets up crisis in Rio’s national team and night of Nikão and Santos goalkeeper
Atlético-PR is, once again, in the final of the Copa do Brasil. After winning the title in the 2019 season, Hurricane returned to the tournament decision by beating Flamengo, at Maracanã, by 3-0, in the semifinal match of the Copa do Brasil. As the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, any victory would serve to stamp one of the teams into the final. In the aggregate score, it was 5 to 2 for Atlético.
At the beginning of the match, Nikão, in a penalty kick, after interference from the VAR, opened the scoring. Flamengo rose, but without creativity, bumping into the defensive system set up by Alberto Valentim.
The red-black carioca still had hope, when referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio signaled a penalty for Bruno Henrique, but the VAR, once again, acted and the penalty was erased. Just before the break, Nikão had the help of Diego Alves to make his second in the match.
In the second half, coach Renato Gaúcho made changes to the team to make it more offensive. Flamengo still had the opportunity to open the scoring, but the lack of aim and the good defenses of Santos made it impossible for the Cariocas to be happy.
The visitors also had Kwellven sent off at the end of the match, but without success. And even with one less, in a quick counterattack, Hurricane took Flamengo’s defense completely dismantled and Ivaldo sanctified the classification.
Atlético-PR and Atlético-MG will now decide who gets the title of the Copa do Brasil on December 12th and 15th. The order of field commands for the matches will be defined in a draw that will be held at the CBF headquarters. Both are looking for the bi-championship of the competition.
