Vasco choose Maracanã for Copa do Brasil final second leg | OneFootball

Vasco will host the Copa do Brasil final second leg at the Maracanã after a dressing-room discussion following two semi-final matches against Fluminense at the stadium.

According to Globo.com, president Pedrinho canvassed the squad and Fernando Diniz’s staff immediately after qualification. Consensus formed that the Maracanã was the right stage to face Corinthians in the calendar-closing showpiece.

The team felt a strong bond with supporters, recreating São Januário’s cauldron. Both semi-finals sold out, each drawing more than 65,000, about triple São Januário’s permitted capacity.

Players were unanimous too, with goalkeeper Léo Jardim calling the Maracanã a dream final venue and highlighting the crowd’s influence. Diniz’s staff also felt the pitch favoured their style, especially when accelerating attacks.

Finances mattered. The first semi’s gate exceeded R$ 7 million, against R$ 1.4 million for the quarter-final first leg with Botafogo at São Januário.

On draw day, Vasco told Fluminense they intended to play the first semi at São Januário, but, aware of Bepe’s likely refusal to approve the derby there, stepped back.

Internal debate over a final venue faded after two displays by the team and supporters at the Maracanã, and the board aim to stage more games there. Vasco visit Corinthians on Wednesday at 21:30 at the NeoQuímica Arena, then host the return on Sunday at 18:30.

Source: Globo.com