What Is 2018 Copa do Brasil Finals

Overview

The 2018 Copa do Brasil Finals marked the culmination of Brazil’s premier knockout football competition, featuring a high-stakes clash between Corinthians and Cruzeiro. The two-leg final determined the national champion and secured a berth in the 2019 Copa Libertadores for the winner.

As one of the most prestigious domestic cup tournaments in South America, the Copa do Brasil brings together teams from all divisions, making the finals a major event in the Brazilian football calendar. The 2018 edition was particularly dramatic due to the close contest and Cruzeiro’s eventual triumph.

• Corinthians entered the final as favorites after a strong campaign, having eliminated strong teams like Flamengo in earlier rounds.
• Cruzeiro, a historically dominant force in the competition, aimed to secure their sixth title and extend their record in the tournament’s history.
• The first leg, held on November 28, 2018, ended in a 1–1 draw at Arena Corinthians, with goals from Marquinhos Gabriel and Ricardo Goulart.
• The decisive second leg took place on December 5, 2018, at Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, where Cruzeiro secured a 2–0 victory.
• Cruzeiro’s 3–1 aggregate win earned them qualification for the 2019 Copa Libertadores and solidified their legacy in Brazilian football.

Match Details

The finals followed a traditional two-leg format, with away goals not used as a tiebreaker, meaning extra time and penalties would follow if the aggregate score was level. Both teams brought tactical discipline and attacking intent, but Cruzeiro’s efficiency proved decisive.

• First Leg – November 28, 2018: Played at Arena Corinthians, the match ended 1–1; Ramiro opened scoring, but Goulart equalized late.
• Attendance: Over 38,000 fans attended the first leg, reflecting the high stakes and rivalry.
• Second Leg – December 5, 2018: Held at Mineirão, Cruzeiro dominated with goals from Goulart and Thiago Neves.
• Ricardo Goulart: Scored in both legs, finishing as the final’s standout performer with two crucial goals.
• Managerial Tactics: Mano Menezes (Cruzeiro) outmaneuvered Fábio Carille (Corinthians), particularly in midfield control during the second leg.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the two legs in the 2018 Copa do Brasil Finals:

The second leg saw a larger crowd and greater intensity, with Cruzeiro capitalizing on home advantage and superior finishing. The aggregate result underscored their consistency across both matches, despite the draw in the first leg.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Copa do Brasil Finals had significant implications for both clubs and Brazilian football as a whole. The outcome influenced continental qualification, club finances, and legacy building.

• Historic Sixth Title: Cruzeiro became the first team to win the Copa do Brasil six times, surpassing previous record-holders.
• Libertadores Qualification: The win earned Cruzeiro a spot in the 2019 Copa Libertadores group stage.
• Financial Reward: Winners received substantial prize money, estimated at over R$54 million in total tournament earnings.
• Player Recognition: Ricardo Goulart’s performance elevated his status, leading to transfer speculation in international markets.
• Corinthians’ Missed Opportunity: The loss marked a rare final defeat for Corinthians, who had previously dominated domestic competitions.
• Tournament Prestige: The finals highlighted the competitive balance and national reach of the Copa do Brasil across Brazil’s diverse football landscape.

The 2018 final remains a benchmark for dramatic cup football in Brazil, illustrating how tactical execution and individual brilliance can shape legacies.