Copa do Brasil Final 2022: The keys after a stalemate in the first leg – tactical analysis

After another eventful Copa do Brasil edition, all roads have led to a Clássico do Povo final. Clássico do Povo, which translates to Derby of the People, is the name given to the interstate derby between Brazil’s two biggest fan bases. Corinthians, who have had a relatively successful year under Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira, come into this final with the only opportunity remaining for silverware this season. On the other hand, Flamengo have reached the final of both the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores under Dorival Júnior. At any rate, with two of the biggest clubs in the continent, the Copa do Brasil final plays host to a historic battle.

The Brazilian Cup is rather unique in the sense that the final is played over two legs, with both clubs being able to play in front of their home crowd. Last Wednesday, the first leg took place in São Paulo, with Corinthians hosting a 0-0 draw. The first encounter proved to be an incredibly competitive battle between two evenly matched sides. Both teams were rather cautious in their tactical approach, resulting in a goalless stalemate. Nonetheless, the tactical scenario is set up and the tie is wide open as the Maracanã hosts the second leg.

In this tactical analysis, we will examine the key tactical points that dictated the development of the first leg. More specifically, this analysis will explore how both teams matched up against each other, their respective strategies, and where each team can find the edge in the second leg.

Lineups and formations

While Corinthians have recently seen some slight variations in their tactics, neither team has changed much since their last encounter in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final. Flamengo lined up in their usual 4-3-1-2, a narrow formation which is rarely seen nowadays. With Santos in goal, Dorival’s backline consisted of Rodinei, former Chelsea centre-back David Luiz, Léo Pereira, and former Atlético Madrid left-back Filipe Luís. In the midfield, Thiago Maia was flanked by João Gomes and Éverton Ribeiro. At the heart of Flamengo’s structure, Giorgian de Arrascaeta was the attacking midfielder and playmaker. Ahead of him, World Cup-bound Pedro played alongside Premier League-linked Gabriel Barbosa, also known as Gabigol.

For Corinthians, Vitor Pereira has recently given up on his notorious squad rotation which marked an inconsistent first half of the season. On the contrary, the Portuguese manager has adopted a consistent approach looking to optimise the natural interactions and relations between his star players. Corinthians began the match with an asymmetric 4-3-3, a structure which can easily be viewed as a 4-2-3-1 at times.

Club legend Cássio was in goal behind an extremely experienced backline. Fagner and Fábio Santos were the fullbacks while Gil and Fabián Balbuena formed a centre-back partnership. In the midfield, Fausto Vera sat slightly deeper while the contrasting duo between Renato Augusto and Du Queiroz operated further ahead. Finally, the front three consisted of Róger Guedes, Yuri Alberto, and Adson.

In the second leg, the same setups can be expected. While a completely rotated Flamengo side defeated Atlético Mineiro 1-0 over the weekend, Timão’s league match against Goiás was postponed due to legal complications. As a consequence, both teams will come into this second leg with their squad at full capacity. Now that the stage is set up, we can look at the tactics behind this fascinating encounter.

High press battle

In the first 10 minutes, there were next to no organised positional attacks. In the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final, Flamengo quickly assumed control of the match with a far superior high press. Refusing to make the same twice, Corinthians aimed to match Flamengo’s defensive intensity and keep them from imposing themselves in possession. Consequently, in the first 15 minutes, both teams had a long pass percentage of over 12, with a certain lack of control from either side.

Vitor Pe