Flamengo beat Vitória in opener, take edge in Copa do Brasil

Flamengo start with win over Vitória, take lead in Copa do Brasil

At the Maracanã, Flamengo defeated Vitória 2-1 this Wednesday (22) in the first leg of the fifth round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil.

The road toward a sixth title in the tournament began with a stunning goal from young defensive midfielder Evertton Araújo, who unleashed a rocket from outside the box before the 10-minute mark and lobbed the opposing goalkeeper.

But Leão da Barra responded just twenty seconds later, also with a brilliant goal.

Erick met the rebound from a left-footed cross first time and fired it into Rossi’s top corner.

Despite dominating possession, the Rio rubro-negro side only threatened again in stoppage time, when Cebolinha went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Lucas Arcanjo made a spectacular save with his feet.

After the break, however, Flamengo turned their control of the match into chances and a lead on the scoreboard.

The breathing room came through Pedro, who headed in Bruno Henrique’s cross.

Arrascaeta hit the crossbar and also wasted a chance from almost inside the six-yard box, shooting over the goal.

Vitória even found Rossi’s net once more, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

🚦 How things stand

With the win, Flamengo can advance to the round of 16 with a draw in the second leg on May 14 at Barradão.

Vitória, meanwhile, need to win by two goals to qualify. A one-goal win for the hosts would send the tie to penalties.

Leão da Barra return to action next Sunday (26), when they visit Athletico-PR at Arena da Baixada in the Brasileirão.

As for the Rio rubro-negro side, they visit Atlético-MG at Arena MRV on the same day for the conclusion of the 13th round.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence.