Corinthians Triumph Over Flamengo In Supercopa Final Thriller

The electric atmosphere at Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasília on February 1, 2026, was nothing short of a footballing spectacle as Corinthians clinched the Supercopa do Brasil title with a commanding 2-0 win over Flamengo. In a clash that pitted the reigning champions of the Copa do Brasil against the latest victors of the Campeonato Brasileiro, fans were treated to a match brimming with drama, tactical adjustments, and moments of individual brilliance that will be talked about for seasons to come.

From the outset, anticipation buzzed through the stadium. The Supercopa do Brasil, serving as the curtain-raiser for the national football calendar, brought together two of Brazil’s most storied clubs in their third-ever final meeting in this competition. Corinthians, under the guidance of Dorival Júnior, were aiming to secure their second Supercopa crown, while Flamengo, led by Filipe Luís, had their sights set on a record-extending fourth title.

Both teams entered the match with notable absences due to injuries. Flamengo were without Danilo, Ayrton Lucas, Saúl, and De la Cruz, all sidelined in the medical department. The much-anticipated debut of Lucas Paquetá was delayed, as he started on the bench. On the other side, Corinthians missed José Martínez, still in Venezuela, and Cacá, who was nursing an injury, but welcomed Memphis Depay back into the starting eleven. The starting lineups reflected these changes: Flamengo fielded Rossi in goal, with a backline of Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro, supported by Pulgar, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta in midfield, and an attacking trio of Carrascal, Plata, and Pedro. Corinthians countered with Hugo Souza between the posts, Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Paulista, and Matheus Bidu in defense, a midfield anchored by Raniele, André, Carrillo, and Breno Bidon, and Memphis Depay partnering Yuri Alberto up front.

The match began at 16:04 Brasília time, slightly behind schedule but with both teams eager to assert their dominance. The early exchanges were tense, with Corinthians showing a bit more initiative. In the 26th minute, the deadlock was broken in style. After a short corner routine, the ball found its way to Matheuzinho on the right flank. His lofted cross was flicked backward by Gustavo Henrique, setting up veteran defender Gabriel Paulista to smash home the opener. The Corinthians faithful erupted, sensing that this could be their day.

Flamengo responded with urgency, creating several chances before halftime. Pedro came close, rising above everyone to direct a header that was dramatically cleared off the line by Matheus Bidu. Carrascal followed up with a fierce shot, forcing Hugo Souza into a sharp save. Yet, Corinthians’ defense held firm, repelling wave after wave of Flamengo attacks. The first half ended with Corinthians leading 1-0, but the real drama was just about to unfold.

As the teams returned for the second half, controversy struck. Following a VAR review, referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein issued a red card to Flamengo’s Carrascal for a challenge in midfield, leaving the Rio de Janeiro giants to play the remainder of the match with ten men. This moment fundamentally shifted the balance of play, putting Flamengo at a numerical disadvantage and giving Corinthians a tactical edge.

With the extra man, Corinthians began to dictate the tempo. Dorival Júnior made calculated substitutions, bringing on Rodrigo Garro, Matheus Pereira, and Kaio César to maintain energy and control in midfield. Flamengo, desperate to claw their way back, introduced Lucas Paquetá, Bruno Henrique, Everton Cebolinha, and De la Cruz in a flurry of changes, hoping to find a spark. The match saw a series of close calls: Arrascaeta nearly found Pulgar for an equalizer, only for the header to crash off the crossbar, and Yuri Alberto struck the post at the other end. The tension was palpable, with every attack drawing gasps from the crowd.

As stoppage time ticked away, Corinthians’ resilience and discipline shone through. In the 52nd minute, with Flamengo pushing forward in search of a late equalizer, Gustavo Henrique cleared the danger, and Kaio César provided a deft touch to set up Yuri Alberto. The striker displayed remarkable composure, lifting the ball over Rossi with a deft chip to seal the victory and spark wild celebrations among the Corinthians supporters. The referee blew the final whistle without Flamengo even taking the restart, confirming Corinthians as the first national champions of the 2026 season and crowning their second Supercopa do Brasil triumph.

This result was more than just a trophy for Corinthians. It was a testament to their tactical maturity, squad depth, and ability to capitalize on key moments. Gabriel Paulista’s leadership at the back, Memphis Depay’s creative influence, and Yuri Alberto’s clinical finishing were all crucial ingredients in their success. The win also marked a measure of revenge for Corinthians, recalling previous encounters between these two sides in the Supercopa. In 1991, Corinthians had edged Flamengo 1-0 to claim the second edition of the tournament. Flamengo, meanwhile, had bested Corinthians in the 2022 Copa do Brasil final after a dramatic penalty shootout.

For Flamengo, the defeat will sting, especially given the circumstances of the red card and missed opportunities. Coach Filipe Luís, hampered by injuries and forced into tactical adjustments, will need to regroup his squad as they turn their attention to the upcoming league campaign. The absence of key players was felt, but the return of Lucas Paquetá and the performances of Arrascaeta and Pedro offer reasons for optimism moving forward.

Fans across Brazil were able to witness the spectacle live, with the match broadcast on Globo, SporTV, Premiere, and geTV (YouTube), ensuring that the drama reached every corner of the nation. The encounter was a showcase of Brazilian football’s enduring appeal—filled with passion, skill, and the unpredictable twists that make the sport so beloved.

With the 2026 season now officially underway, Corinthians have set the standard for the months ahead, lifting the Supercopa do Brasil and sending a clear message to their rivals. As for Flamengo, their quest for further silverware continues, and with a talented squad and experienced coach, they remain a formidable force. The stage is set for another thrilling year in Brazilian football.