In the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final, Flamengo was defeated by São Paulo 1-0 on Sunday afternoon (17), at Maracanã. Now, Rubro-Negro will have to win the return leg by a two-goal margin to lift the title. The decisive clash will be at Morumbi, next Sunday.

The game
The match began with both teams closely studying each other. Flamengo kept possession for longer and sought to exchange passes in the attacking half. In the 16th minute, Matheus Cunha made a good save after a shot from Calleri.

The red-and-black team managed to mount a counterattack in the 26th minute. Gabi broke through on the right and passed to Bruno Henrique, who played a one-two with Victor Hugo. The number 27 almost found himself face-to-face with goal, but Arboleda made the save.

In the closing stages of the first half, São Paulo created a few opportunities to open the scoring. In the 45th minute, São Paulo took the lead. Rodrigo Nestor crossed into the box, Matheus Cunha was hesitant as he came out of goal, and Calleri rose unmarked to head home: 1-0.

For the second half, Sampaoli returned with a change to his lineup. He took off Victor Hugo and brought on Everton Ribeiro. Needing to score, the red-and-black team pressed São Paulo's ball out.

In the 9th minute, Ayrton Lucas crossed from the left, and Everton Ribeiro was in good position. He delivered another cross, Pedro beat him to the ball and headed it toward goal. Beraldo managed to save it on the line. Six minutes later, Gerson took a shot from outside the box; the ball deflected off Pablo Maia and went out for a corner.

In the 33rd minute, São Paulo's defense misplayed the ball, leaving Cebolinha in a good position. The striker burst into the box but mistimed his pass. Flamengo tried to equalize but ended up losing. The red-and-black team will need to win by two goals in the return leg to win the national title.

Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field on Wednesday (20) to face Goiás, at 19 pm, at the Serrinha stadium, for the 24th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo
Matheus Cunha; Wesley (Matheuzinho), Fabrício Bruno, Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Erick (Thiago Maia), Victor Hugo (Everton Ribeiro) and Gerson; Bruno Henrique, Gabi (Cebolinha) and Pedro.
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli.

São Paulo
Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Lucas Beraldo and Caio Paulista (Wellington); Pablo Maia, Alisson (Gabi), Rodrigo Nestor (Michel Araújo) and Wellington Rato (Juan); Lucas (Luciano) and Calleri.
Coach: Dorival Junior.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 0x1 São Paulo – First leg of the Copa do Brasil final
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 17/09/2023 at 16:XNUMX PM
Refereeing: Anderson Daronco (FIFA/RS), Guilherme Dias Camilo (FIFA/MG) and Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira (FIFA/CE)
Yellow cards: Léo Pereira (FLA), Victor Hugo (FLA), Alisson (SÃO)
Goal: Calleri (45'1st half).