Reaction after the first legs of the Brazilian State Championships
This weekend we had the first matches of the finals for the state championships, which are a preview for the Brazilian championship. As we talked in the last post, some matches could already have the decision in these first games, which was the case of Sao Paulo championship. In the other states all open for the next game, which will take place next Sunday.
Paulista Championship
A match followed by expectations, as it is a repeat of the grand final of the 1977 championship. Ponte Petra will be wanting to make history, winning their first title in over 115 years. On the other hand, Corinthians are hoped to repeat the Championship of 1977, and that’s exactly what happened. In a perfect match, Corinthians won 3-0 at Ponte Preta’s stadium. Rodriguinho was the best player on the pitch with two goals and an assist for Jadson. Another highlight of the match was the centre-forward Jo, once of Manchester City, who fulfilled an excellent tactical function, as a pivot. The competition seems to be finished, but if there’s one thing we know about football, it’s that anything can happen, but it looks unlikely in this case.
Carioca Championship
The last FlaFlu to decide the Carioca Championship was in 1995 and was marked by the belly goal of Renato Gaucho for Fluminense. The first game of the final was also marked by a Fluminense player, also called Renato, but unlike 95, sadly for the “tricolor das laranjeiras” Renato Chaves missed the ball and Everton of Flamengo took advantage to score Flamengo’s winning goal. Despite the pressure and the good performance of Guerrero, who left injured, Flamengo failed to extend the score, and everything is set up for next Sunday.
Mineiro Championship
A final surrounded by rivalry and expectations for a good game, but that’s what ended up frustrating everyone. Cruzeiro and Atletico-MG both had poor displays. Playing more centrally in the midfield there were very few chances in on goal. Which is somewhat positive for Atlético-MG, who play the next game at home, having a better record throughout the championship.
Gaucho Championship
Certainly the most exciting final of the weekend will be between Novo Hamburgo and Internacional. Although they have a large difference in history in all finals, Novo Hamburgo, had the better championship campaign. They face International and their 40,000 and counting fans. In the first leg of the final Novo Hamburgo play with an impeccable formation of 4-1-4-1 and were ahead after scoring from a corner at half time. But Internacional managed to bring back two goals either side of Novo Hamburgo’s 2nd goal to make the final score 2-2.
Next Saturday I will comment on the games that will decide the titles, updating you all about injuries, game locations and everything that surrounds these great finals!
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