The Brazil Super Cup did not disappoint at all and lived up to expectations. From the expulsion of one coach to the weather, to a brilliant penalty shoot and even a disallowed goal, the final had it all. In a game that saw Brazilian champion and last year’s Copa do Brasil winners face off, it was Flamengo that claimed all bragging rights as they beat Palmeiras by 6-5 via penalties. The game ended 2-2 in normal time.
Raphael Veiga opened the scoring just after two minutes with a fine finish but Gabigol leveled matters in the 24th minute.
In the stoppage time of first half, Arrascaeta turned the game around for Fla to give them the lead going into the break.
However, Raphael Veiga came up big once again and scored the equalizer for Verdão in the 75th minute. The game eventually went to penalties and both goalkeepers shined but it was Diego Alves who was particularly impressive.
Milestone for Gabigol
It was a huge milestone for Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) as his goal saw him reach 74 goals for Flamengo, surpassing Renato Abreu at 73.
For the Super Cup title, Flamengo will receive R $ 5 million while Palmeiras will get about R $ 2 million.
Speaking after the game, man of the match Arrascaeta heaped praise on goalkeeper Diego Alves. He said: “It was a very difficult game, their team is very qualified. In the second half we lowered the intensity, we took a goal with a few minutes to go. But we have a great goalkeeper, and he showed it again. It had gotten a little difficult (on penalties), but he showed once again that he is one of the best – said Arrascaeta.”
For their next outing, Palmeiras will face Defensa y Justicia in the return leg for their Recopa Sul-Americana clash. Flamengo have a big game against Vasco in the Carioca Championship.
