Atlético-MG beats Flamengo in a long penalty shootout and wins the Brazilian Super Cup

In a game of good technical level, Atlético-MG defeated Flamengo on penalties and won the Supercopa do Brasil. After a 2-2 draw at Arena Pantanal, in Cuiabá, on Sunday afternoon (20), the alvinegra team was more efficient in the tiebreakers and won 8-7.

It was a long dispute, in which the Carioca team wasted four chances to end it with a goal. The decision was only finalized after the 12th round of beats. Hulk hit his second penalty and kept the full advantage. Vitinho stopped at Everson.

The single game dispute was full of alternatives and changes of course. Argentine Antonio Mohamed’s team took the lead in the first half, with Nacho Fernández, took the turn in the final stage with goals from Gabigol and Bruno Henrique, and sought a draw with Hulk. On penalties, it was better.

The high temperature in Cuiabá did not prevent the performance of a good match. Flamengo predominated in the attacking field most of the time, but suffered from moments of pressure from Atlético-MG, which had good offensive options.

In the first stage, the Portuguese Paulo Sousa had clear superiority, although they were not able to swing the net. Gabigol had three good opportunities and failed. As also failed the goalkeeper Hugo, allowing the club to open the score.

In the 42nd minute, Guilherme Arana had space in the middle and hit hard. The ball was in the middle of the goal, but the archer fumbled with the bounce of the ball and gave a rebound, used by Nacho Fernández.

Flamengo continued their pressure on the return of half-time and looked for an equalizer in the 11th minute, when Arrascaeta overcame the marking on the left and crossed. Everson prevented the goal from Bruno Henrique’s header, but Gabigol had the rebound with the goal unprotected.

Then, the game took a fast pace, with the teams alternating in strong attacks. At 19, Lázaro, who had just entered, found Bruno Henrique in the area. Godín missed the pass and allowed the striker to cover Everson for the turn.

Behind the marker, Atlético-MG started to seek more aggressively the attack. At 30, other players who had just joined had an important participation: Ademir crossed and Vargas fixed his head. Hulk dominated and tied the duel with his strong right foot kick.

There were chances for both sides, but neither net was swung again until Anderson Daronco’s final whistle in normal time. In the penalty shootout, after mistakes by Guga, Everson, Mariano and Godín, Willian Arão, Matheuzinho, Fabrício Bruno and Hugo also failed.

It was necessary for the players to start hitting again, as the 11 who finished the 90 minutes on the field had already taken their shots. Hulk positioned himself and finished well, in Hugo’s right corner. Then Everson landed in the same corner and saved Vitinho’s second shot.

The Supercopa do Brasil usually brings together the winner of the Campeonato Brasileiro and the champion of the Copa do Brasil. As it took both tournaments, Atlético-MG faced the Brazilian vice-champion to lift another cup.