Brazil: Memphis Depay inspires Corinthians to fourth Copa do Brasil title

Memphis Depay, 32, inspired Corinthians to Copa do Brasil glory, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã to secure the club’s fourth title in the competition.

The Dutch forward’s strike capped a tense final and underlined his growing influence in Brazilian football.

The match began with Corinthians showing their intentions by piling on much pressure to Vasco, with Yuri Alberto opening the scoring in the 18th minute after a slick attacking move.

Vasco responded before halftime through Nuno Moreira, who headed home a sumptuous cross to level the tie and ignite hopes of a comeback.

The atmosphere inside the Maracanã was electric, with both sets of fans pushing their teams forward in what was the first-ever Copa do Brasil final between Corinthians and Vasco.

The turning point arrived in the 63rd minute when Breno Bidon surged through midfield and combined with Alberto, who unselfishly squared the ball for Memphis Depay to finish calmly past the exposed goalkeeper.

It was a goal that showcased both teamwork and Depay’s composure, adding to his semifinal heroics against Cruzeiro.

Corinthians held firm in the closing stages, with their defence repelling Vasco’s late pressure to preserve the lead and claim a 2-1 aggregate triumph after a goalless draw in the first leg at home.

For Corinthians, this victory marked their fourth Copa do Brasil crown after previous wins in 1995, 2002, and 2009, while also delivering a prize purse of R$77 million.