Corinthians Beats Flamengo 2-0 to Claim Supercopa Rei 2026 Title

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista defeated CR Flamengo 2-0 in the Supercopa Rei final at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, securing their second title in the competition and their first major trophy of 2026.

The Timão, qualifiers as 2025 Copa do Brasil champions, outplayed the reigning Campeonato Brasileiro winners Flamengo in a match attended by a record 71,244 fans. Goals from defender Gabriel Paulista in the first half and forward Yuri Alberto in stoppage time sealed the victory for coach Dorival Júnior’s side.

Match Summary

Flamengo started stronger, controlling possession early with chances from Erick Pulgar, Pedro, and Jorge Carrascal. Corinthians threatened on the counter, nearly scoring in the opening minute via a Yuri Alberto cross to Memphis Depay, saved by Agustín Rossi.

The breakthrough came in the 26th minute from a corner: Matheuzinho crossed, Gustavo Henrique headed it back across goal, and Gabriel Paulista volleyed home powerfully from close range to make it 1-0.

The game shifted dramatically just before halftime. Carrascal struck Corinthians’ Breno Bidon in the face late in the first half. Referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein reviewed it on VAR at the restart and issued a straight red card, leaving Flamengo with 10 men for the entire second period.

Despite the disadvantage, Flamengo pushed forward. Pulgar hit the crossbar, and substitute Lucas Paquetá (making his return debut) had a late chance in the box but fired wide or over. Corinthians nearly added a second when Memphis Depay scored, but it was ruled out for a tight offside on Yuri Alberto.

The clincher arrived in the 97th minute during added time. A fast break saw Kaio César play in Yuri Alberto, who chipped Rossi expertly and finished into the empty net, confirming his big-game reputation—he also scored in the 2025 Paulistão and Copa do Brasil finals.

Post-Match

Corinthians celebrated wildly, chanting “Bicampeão!” as this marked their second Supercopa win (first in 1991, also against Flamengo). The prize money was significant: the CBF awarded the champion around R$ 11-12 million total (including participation bonuses of R$ 6.35 million each, with the winner getting the full edge).

Flamengo, despite entering as favorites with a star-studded squad and seeking a fourth title (2020, 2021, 2025), couldn’t overcome the red card and missed opportunities. Paquetá’s return was overshadowed by the defeat.

This result updates the Supercopa Rei record: Flamengo still leads with three titles, but Corinthians joins them at two. The match showcased Brazilian football’s intensity right from the season opener.

The Timão now shifts to Campeonato Paulista action, while Flamengo looks to rebound in upcoming fixtures. A strong statement from the black-and-white side to kick off the year