Coutinho pursues boyhood dream as Vasco face Corinthians in Copa do Brasil final | OneFootball

Coutinho is set for his first national final for Vasco, the Copa do Brasil decider against Corinthians. According to Globo.com, two matches now separate the No 10 from a major trophy to crown his return.

He has said his biggest current ambition is to win a title in Vasco colours, a drive that has shaped his 2025. He will hit a career high for appearances in a single season in the first leg, having overcome fitness issues to become the team’s technical reference, with 54 games, 11 goals and five assists.

Eighteen months on from an emotional presentation at a packed São Januário, the ‘Pequeno Mágico’ is the side’s conductor. From the shy futsal ‘Philippinho’ who only dreamed of a senior outing there, he is now the No 10 leading from the front.

His last decisive occasion came five years ago, a Champions League final. On loan at Bayern Munich in 2019/2020, he entered in the second half against Paris Saint-Germain, replacing Coman, who had scored the only goal, and Bayern won 1-0. That campaign was a reset in Germany after a difficult spell at Barcelona.

For Vasco, his only previous knockout final was the 2010 Taça Guanabara, a defeat to Botafogo. He broke through in 2009, won Série B, then left mid 2010 following a move to Inter Milan.

The first leg is at Neo Química Arena on Wednesday at 21:30, Brasília time. The return is at the Maracanã on Sunday, with a chance to complete a homecoming story.

Source: Globo.com