No one probably saw this coming but Vitória have advanced to the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Leão reversed the score from the first leg, beat Inter 3-1 in Beira-Rio and sealed the qualification.
Colorado played the entire second half with one less, as Pedro Henrique was sent off in the 51st minute. Boschilia would also receive the red at the end to see Inter end the game with nine men. Samuel, Eduardo and Guilherme Santos scored for the Bahians, while Johnny discounted for the Colorados. As Samuel said in his post-match comments, you have to respect Vitória.
A red card for Pedro Henrique meant Inter suffered a dismissal for a second consecutive game. It is interesting to note that it was the same identical move that happened in their last outing as well; leaving the high leg in a split and hitting the opponent. It occurred in the defeat to Fortaleza and now this Thursday in the game with Vitória.
Speaking after the game, goal-scorer Samuel said: “We at the front always have to be on the lookout for any rebound. Thank God I was connected. I scored the first goal. We gave up a draw, but we fought, got two more goals and left with the classification. We saw many videos during the week, saying Inter were favorites. It’s not like that. You have to respect the Northeast. Our group is strong and can go very far in the competition. Fruit of our work. We’ve been working very hard. I want to dedicate this victory to Professor Rodrigo Chagas, who needs no comment, has always helped me and has helped me until today. This victory goes to him too.”
Vitória, who had eliminated Inter before in previous editions of the Copa do Brasil, made history in Beira-Rio. It was the first time that Leão won by two goals difference in Porto Alegre.
After losing two games in succession, Inter will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Bahia on Sunday in the Brazilian Championship.
