Ramon Menezes says Vasco versus Vitória is finely balanced ahead of Copa do Brasil tie | OneFootball

Ramon Menezes, a title winner with both Vasco and Vitória, expects a finely balanced Copa do Brasil quarter-final on Wednesday. He also admits his heart beats stronger for the clubs that shaped him.

"My heart beats stronger, for the affection, respect and admiration I have for these two clubs. I was fortunate to build a really good story with both," he told Globo Esporte.

At Vasco, the former playmaker started in the 1997 Brazilian title and 1998 Libertadores triumphs, then won the 2000 league. He lifted five trophies and scored 97 goals, the club’s fourth highest-scoring midfielder.

He returned as head coach in March 2020. The team led early in the league, but a poor run saw him dismissed in October.

For Vitória, he hit 88 goals to rank fifth on their all-time list. He won four state titles and the Copa do Nordeste, and finished Bahia’s top scorer in 1995. In 2008 he starred in a 5-0 league win over Vasco.

"I think it is a very balanced game. Since last year, Vasco reached the Copa do Brasil final, lost the title at Maracanã to Corinthians, but had a great campaign. There is no favourite."

The first leg is at São Januário at 21.30 Brasília time, with coverage on sportv2 and getv.

Source: Globo.com

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