Flamengo lead first, then suffer Internacional comeback in Copa do Brasil Feminina final opener

Flamengo's hopes of lifting the Copa do Brasil Feminina faded after a 3–1 defeat to Internacional on Wednesday (11) at the Estádio Luso-Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro in the first leg of the final. Despite an assured opening display and an early goal from Letícia, the Rubro-Negro collapsed in the second half. Now they must find a response when the sides meet again on Sunday (15) at 4pm at the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

The match

Buoyed by their supporters, Flamengo began with intensity and wasted little time in converting their early pressure into a goal. In the fourth minute, after a cross from the right and a scramble inside the box, Letícia latched onto a loose ball and finished clinically, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance. A fine strike to give the Rubro-Negro the edge in the decider.

After the goal, Internacional grew into the contest and sought space in attack. On 21 minutes, Julia Bianchi tried her luck from distance but sent the ball over the crossbar. Moments later, Sole Jaimes received a low cross and hit the post.

Flamengo looked to reorganise defensively and protect their advantage from the opening stage. Despite the hosts' advances, the Rubro-Negro went into the break ahead 1–0.

On the restart, Internacional levelled within two minutes. After a Sole Jaimes launch, Valéria Cantuário surged forward and finished to make it even.

The visitors turned the match on its head in the 22nd minute when Débora capitalised on a corner-kick and headed home. Flamengo tried to rally, but conceded a third goal in the 35th minute when Valéria Cantuário teed up Sole Jaimes, who found the net to seal a 3–1 victory.

What's next

Flamengo return to action on Sunday (15) at 4pm to face Internacional at the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil Feminina final.

To secure the trophy in normal time, the Rubro-Negro must win by three goals or more. A two-goal Flamengo victory would take the contest to penalties.

Come on, Flamengo!

Match details

Flamengo 1–3 Internacional

Competition: Copa do Brasil Feminina – Final (first leg)

Date: 11/11/2026

Venue: Estádio Luso-Brasileiro, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Flamengo: Vivi Holzel; Monalisa (Sofia Couto), Flávia Mota, Núbia and Jucinara; Letícia (Brendha), Ju Ferreira (Djeni), Kaylane and Mariana (Sandoval); Fernanda and Cristiane (Fabi Simões). Manager: Celso Silva.

Internacional: Gabi Barbieri; Bianca, Débora and Sorriso (Alice Santos); Paola (Paulinha), Lelê, Pati Llanos (Joana), Julia Bianchi (Mayara Vaz) and Aninha; Valéria Cantuário (Caty) and Sole Jaimes. Manager: Fred Constantino.

Goals: Letícia (4'/1st half); Valéria Cantuário (2'/2nd half), Débora (22'/2nd half) and Sole Jaimes (35'/2nd half).

Referee: Marianna Nanni Batalha, assisted by Neuza Ines Back and Fabrini Bevilaqua Costa. VAR: Elizabete Esmeralda Cordeiro dos Santos Gomes.