Flamengo started their 2026 Copa do Brasil journey on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Vitória in the first leg of the fifth round. The match, held at the iconic Maracanã, saw early excitement and thrilling moments, with Flamengo securing a narrow lead heading into the second leg.
Early Goals Set the Tone
E MAIS UMA VEZ, O CLUBE DE REGATAS DO FLAMENGO CUMPRE A SUA FUNÇÃO SOCIAL DE DEIXAR TODO MUNDO QUE NÃO É FLAMENGO MUITO P*TO! FIMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM DE JOGO NO MARACANÃ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COM GOLS DE EVERTTON ARAUJO E PEDRO, O RUBRO-NEGRO TRIUNFA SOBRE O VITÓRIA NA PARTIDA DE IDA DA… pic.twitter.com/f69nzg8Bsh
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) April 23, 2026
The match kicked off with a bang as Flamengo's young defensive midfielder, Evertton Araújo, stunned the crowd with a spectacular goal just before the 10-minute mark. Araújo fired a powerful shot from outside the box, sending the ball sailing past the Vitória goalkeeper. However, the visiting team responded almost immediately, with Erick finding the rebound from a left-footed cross and striking it brilliantly into the top corner of Flamengo’s net, leveling the score at 1-1.
Flamengo Seizes Control in the Second Half
Gol de cria! pic.twitter.com/D6Gu12FjBd
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) April 23, 2026
Despite dominating possession, Flamengo struggled to break down Vitória in the first half, with their best chance coming in stoppage time when Cebolinha’s one-on-one effort was thwarted by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Lucas Arcanjo. After the break, Flamengo turned their possession into more dangerous opportunities, taking the lead through a well-executed header by Pedro from a Bruno Henrique cross. Arrascaeta also came close to increasing the lead with a shot that hit the crossbar, followed by a missed opportunity inside the six-yard box.
Vitória's Late Challenge and What's at Stake
Lucas Arcanjo fez uma defesaça em finalização de Cebolinha. pic.twitter.com/kQz34sFUyV
— ge (@geglobo) April 23, 2026
Vitória had a chance to equalize late in the game but saw their efforts denied due to an offside call. With this victory, Flamengo holds a strong advantage going into the second leg, where they can advance with a draw. Vitória will need to win by two goals to secure a spot in the round of 16, while a one-goal victory would force a penalty shootout.
As both teams look ahead, Flamengo will next face Atlético-MG in the Brasileirão, while Vitória will visit Athletico-PR.
