Flamengo and Corinthians will decide this Wednesday (26) who will advance to the final of the 2018 Copa do Brasil. After a goalless draw at Maracanã, the two biggest teams in the country will face each other at Arena Corinthians, at 21:45 pm. 

The Mais Querido faces the most important match of the year so far. A simple victory against their São Paulo rival guarantees qualification; if there's another draw, the decision will go to penalties, as the new competition rules do not allow for qualifying goals.

Mengão is coming off a good home win over Atlético-MG in the Brazilian Championship, and this weekend's result gives the squad a boost for the Copa do Brasil final, says the red-black coach.

"Every victory gives us confidence and creates a better working environment. A significant result against a strong opponent like Atlético is always a good thing. Now we have a huge challenge against another great team. I don't think there's a favorite in a game like this, with two strong teams. We have everything we need to play a great match and seek an important qualification. It's the most important match of the year in the Copa do Brasil."

The clash between Flamengo and Corinthians turns 100 this December, but despite the centennial duel, this is only the second time the teams have met in the Copa do Brasil. In 1989, the year of the competition's inaugural edition, Flamengo prevailed in the quarterfinals based on the away goals rule. In the first leg, a 2-0 victory at Maracanã, with goals from Zico and Nando, and a 4-2 defeat at Pacaembu Stadium, with goals from Gávea's number 10 and Júnior.

In the knockout stage, the Flamengo-Corinthians classic was played four times with the advantage going to the Rubro-Negro. Flamengo came out on top in the 1989 Copa do Brasil (2-0; 2-4); in the 1997 Rio-SP Tournament (3-0; 0-2); and in the 2010 Copa Libertadores (1-0; 1-2). The only time Corinthians eliminated Flamengo was in the quarterfinals of the 1984 Brasileirão: Flamengo 2-0 at Maracanã and Corinthians 4-1 at Morumbi.