Sports Daily
Latin America Sports Daily for Sunday, February 15, 2026
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February 15, 2026
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11 min read
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Brazil has its first Winter Olympics gold medal — and South America has its first Winter Olympics medal, period. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the samba-dancing, “Vamos Dançar”-helmeted ski racer, crushed the men’s giant slalom at the Stelvio on Valentine’s Day, beating defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds. It was the crowning moment of a Day 8 that produced eight new Olympic champions in Milano Cortina, including American speedster Jordan Stolz setting an Olympic record in the 500m for his second gold. Slovenia’s Domen Prevc pulled off a stunning comeback to win ski jumping large hill gold, and Norway added two more golds to extend their lead atop the medal table. Meanwhile, the Serie de las Américas is in the books — Venezuela’s historic 10–9 comeback championship win over Colombia on Friday night is still reverberating across Caracas. The World Baseball Classic is 18 days from first pitch in Tokyo, and the Gauchão semifinals kick off this afternoon.
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Saturday Scoreboard
\n14 Feb 2026
\n14 Feb 2026
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| Competition | Result | Note |
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| Olympics · Men’s Giant Slalom | Braathen (BRA) gold · Odermatt silver · Meillard bronze | 1st South American Winter medal ever |
| Olympics · Men’s 500m Speed Skating | Stolz (USA) gold — OR 33.77s · De Boo silver | 2nd gold of Games |
| Olympics · Men’s Large Hill Ski Jumping | Prevc (SLO) gold · Nikaido silver · Tomasiak bronze | 141.5m comeback leap |
| Olympics · Day 8 (5 more golds) | Kirkeeide · Anthony · Flock · van ‘t Wout · Norway relay | 8 golds total Saturday |
| Olympics · Men’s Hockey | USA 6–3 Denmark · Latvia 4–3 Germany | Group C Day 2 |
| Olympics · Women’s Hockey QF | Switzerland 1–0 Finland · Canada 5–1 Germany | Brändli 40-save shutout |
| Olympics · Women’s Dual Moguls | Anthony (AUS) gold · Kauf silver · Lemley bronze | Inaugural event |
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01
\nBraathen Makes History: Brazil’s First Winter Olympics Medal — And It’s Gold
\nBraathen Makes History: Brazil’s First Winter Olympics Medal — And It’s Gold
\nOlympics
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\nLucas Pinheiro Braathen, 25, delivered the most significant Latin American moment in Winter Olympics history on Saturday, winning the men’s giant slalom at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio to give Brazil — and the entire South American continent — its first-ever Winter Games medal. And he made it gold.
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\nBorn in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, Braathen switched his sporting nationality from Norway to Brazil in March 2024 after a brief retirement from the sport. He carried the Brazilian flag during the Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony just eight days earlier. On Saturday, he set the fastest first-run time among 81 starters with a blistering 1:13.92, then held his nerve through snow and fog in the second run to finish with a combined time of 2:25.00 — 0.58 seconds ahead of defending Olympic champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland. Loïc Meillard, also Swiss, took bronze.
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\nFittingly, it’s Carnival season. On the back of Braathen’s helmet, in big letters: “Vamos Dançar” — Let’s Dance. Speaking to TV Globo, he was visibly emotional: “I just wanted to share this with everyone watching in Brazil, following me, cheering for me. This can be a point of inspiration for the next generation of children, showing them that nothing is impossible.” Brazilian President Lula da Silva celebrated the medal on social media, writing that “this unprecedented result shows Brazilian sport has no limits.”
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\nLucas Pinheiro Braathen, 25, delivered the most significant Latin American moment in Winter Olympics history on Saturday, winning the men’s giant slalom at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio to give Brazil — and the entire South American continent — its first-ever Winter Games medal. And he made it gold.
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\nBorn in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, Braathen switched his sporting nationality from Norway to Brazil in March 2024 after a brief retirement from the sport. He carried the Brazilian flag during the Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony just eight days earlier. On Saturday, he set the fastest first-run time among 81 starters with a blistering 1:13.92, then held his nerve through snow and fog in the second run to finish with a combined time of 2:25.00 — 0.58 seconds ahead of defending Olympic champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland. Loïc Meillard, also Swiss, took bronze.
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\nFittingly, it’s Carnival season. On the back of Braathen’s helmet, in big letters: “Vamos Dançar” — Let’s Dance. Speaking to TV Globo, he was visibly emotional: “I just wanted to share this with everyone watching in Brazil, following me, cheering for me. This can be a point of inspiration for the next generation of children, showing them that nothing is impossible.” Brazilian President Lula da Silva celebrated the medal on social media, writing that “this unprecedented result shows Brazilian sport has no limits.”
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KEY STAT
\nBrazil had competed in 26 editions of the Winter Olympics over 102 years without ever winning a medal. Braathen’s gold makes him the first South American of any nationality to reach a Winter podium. He is also the first athlete from the southern hemisphere to win Alpine gold since Australia’s Zali Steggall took bronze at Nagano 1998.
\nBrazil had competed in 26 editions of the Winter Olympics over 102 years without ever winning a medal. Braathen’s gold makes him the first South American of any nationality to reach a Winter podium. He is also the first athlete from the southern hemisphere to win Alpine gold since Australia’s Zali Steggall took bronze at Nagano 1998.
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LATAM ANGLE
\nBraathen is set to race again in Monday’s slalom, where he ranks second on the 2025/26 World Cup circuit behind Odermatt. Another Brazilian, Nicole Silveira, competed in the women’s skeleton on Saturday. Chile’s Thomas Grob had previously held the best South American Alpine result — 11th in the combined at the 1998 Nagano Games.
\nBraathen is set to race again in Monday’s slalom, where he ranks second on the 2025/26 World Cup circuit behind Odermatt. Another Brazilian, Nicole Silveira, competed in the women’s skeleton on Saturday. Chile’s Thomas Grob had previously held the best South American Alpine result — 11th in the combined at the 1998 Nagano Games.
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02
\nStolz Goes Double Gold, Prevc Completes Stunning Comeback in Ski Jumping
\nStolz Goes Double Gold, Prevc Completes Stunning Comeback in Ski Jumping
\nOlympics
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\nBeyond Braathen’s heroics, Day 8 in Milano Cortina produced seven other gold medals across a packed schedule. American speed skater Jordan Stolz, 21, claimed his second gold in the men’s 500m with an Olympic record time of 33.77 seconds — both he and Dutch rival Jenning de Boo broke the 34-second barrier for the first time in Olympic history. Stolz becomes the first male skater to sweep the 500m and 1000m at the same Games since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
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\nSlovenia’s Domen Prevc, 26, delivered a breathtaking comeback in the men’s large hill ski jumping. Trailing Japan’s Ren Nikaido by seven points heading into the second round, Prevc soared 141.5 meters — the best jump of the day — to overtake Nikaido and claim gold with 301.8 points. It was Prevc’s second gold of these Games, after Slovenia’s mixed team event win. Poland’s 19-year-old Kacper Tomasiak took bronze.
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\nNorway added two more golds through Maren Kirkeeide in the women’s biathlon 7.5km sprint and the women’s cross-country 4×7.5km relay. Australia’s Jakara Anthony won the inaugural dual moguls event, with Americans Jaelin Kauf (silver) and Elizabeth Lemley (bronze) earning their second medals of these Games. Austria’s Janine Flock became the oldest women’s skeleton gold medalist, and the Netherlands’ Jens van ‘t Wout won men’s short track 1500m.
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\nBeyond Braathen’s heroics, Day 8 in Milano Cortina produced seven other gold medals across a packed schedule. American speed skater Jordan Stolz, 21, claimed his second gold in the men’s 500m with an Olympic record time of 33.77 seconds — both he and Dutch rival Jenning de Boo broke the 34-second barrier for the first time in Olympic history. Stolz becomes the first male skater to sweep the 500m and 1000m at the same Games since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
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\nSlovenia’s Domen Prevc, 26, delivered a breathtaking comeback in the men’s large hill ski jumping. Trailing Japan’s Ren Nikaido by seven points heading into the second round, Prevc soared 141.5 meters — the best jump of the day — to overtake Nikaido and claim gold with 301.8 points. It was Prevc’s second gold of these Games, after Slovenia’s mixed team event win. Poland’s 19-year-old Kacper Tomasiak took bronze.
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\nNorway added two more golds through Maren Kirkeeide in the women’s biathlon 7.5km sprint and the women’s cross-country 4×7.5km relay. Australia’s Jakara Anthony won the inaugural dual moguls event, with Americans Jaelin Kauf (silver) and Elizabeth Lemley (bronze) earning their second medals of these Games. Austria’s Janine Flock became the oldest women’s skeleton gold medalist, and the Netherlands’ Jens van ‘t Wout won men’s short track 1500m.
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MEDAL COUNT AFTER DAY 8
\nNorway leads with 8+ golds and 18+ total medals. Italy tied on total count. USA at 17 total medals (5 golds including Stolz’s second). Japan at 14. France at 12 (4 golds). Brazil: 1-0-0 (1). 59 of 116 events completed.
\nNorway leads with 8+ golds and 18+ total medals. Italy tied on total count. USA at 17 total medals (5 golds including Stolz’s second). Japan at 14. France at 12 (4 golds). Brazil: 1-0-0 (1). 59 of 116 events completed.
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03
\nOlympic Hockey: USA Rallies Past Denmark, Latvia Stun Germany
\nOlympic Hockey: USA Rallies Past Denmark, Latvia Stun Germany
\nOlympics
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\nThe men’s Olympic hockey tournament continued to thrill with NHL talent on full display. The United States overcame a 2–1 first-period deficit — Denmark struck twice through Nick Olesen and a remarkable neutral-zone shot from Nicholas Jensen — before Brady Tkachuk and Jack Eichel sparked a three-goal second period. Noah Hanifin scored the game-winner, and Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes added insurance in the third to seal a 6–3 win. The Americans remain unbeaten and face Germany on Sunday for Group C’s top seed.
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\nIn the day’s biggest surprise, Latvia stunned Germany 4–3 behind a two-goal performance from Dans Ločmelis, including a power-play equalizer at 15:48 of the first period. Zemgus Girgensons (Tampa Bay Lightning) added two assists as Latvia won an Olympic hockey game with NHL participation for only the fourth time ever. In the women’s quarterfinals, Switzerland pulled off a remarkable 1–0 upset over Finland — goaltender Andrea Brändli stopped all 40 shots she faced — while Canada advanced past Germany 5–1 with Marie-Philip Poulin scoring on her return from injury.
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\nThe men’s Olympic hockey tournament continued to thrill with NHL talent on full display. The United States overcame a 2–1 first-period deficit — Denmark struck twice through Nick Olesen and a remarkable neutral-zone shot from Nicholas Jensen — before Brady Tkachuk and Jack Eichel sparked a three-goal second period. Noah Hanifin scored the game-winner, and Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes added insurance in the third to seal a 6–3 win. The Americans remain unbeaten and face Germany on Sunday for Group C’s top seed.
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\nIn the day’s biggest surprise, Latvia stunned Germany 4–3 behind a two-goal performance from Dans Ločmelis, including a power-play equalizer at 15:48 of the first period. Zemgus Girgensons (Tampa Bay Lightning) added two assists as Latvia won an Olympic hockey game with NHL participation for only the fourth time ever. In the women’s quarterfinals, Switzerland pulled off a remarkable 1–0 upset over Finland — goaltender Andrea Brändli stopped all 40 shots she faced — while Canada advanced past Germany 5–1 with Marie-Philip Poulin scoring on her return from injury.
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KEY STAT
\nConnor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovský (Montreal Canadiens) lead the men’s tournament in scoring with six points each through two games. McDavid registered three points in Canada’s 5–1 win over Switzerland on Friday.
\nConnor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovský (Montreal Canadiens) lead the men’s tournament in scoring with six points each through two games. McDavid registered three points in Canada’s 5–1 win over Switzerland on Friday.
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04
\nVenezuela’s Championship Aftermath: Caracas Still Buzzing
\nVenezuela’s Championship Aftermath: Caracas Still Buzzing
\nBaseball
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\nTwo days after the final out, Caracas was still celebrating. Navegantes del Magallanes were crowned 2026 Serie de las Américas champions on Friday night with a staggering 10–9 comeback win over Colombia’s Caimanes de Barranquilla — rallying from a 9–1 deficit with a seven-run eighth inning that silenced doubt at the Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar. Renato Núñez delivered the decisive hit, while Rougned Odor had earlier contributed a solo homer to keep the hosts within reach. Silvino Bracho earned the win in relief, and Felipe Vásquez closed it out for the save.
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\nThe championship capped a nine-day tournament that saw Venezuela rebound from an opening-day loss to Panama. The host squad then reeled off consecutive victories through the round-robin, demolished Cuba 9–1 behind 17 hits in the semifinal, and pulled off the greatest comeback in tournament history in the final. In the third-place game earlier Friday, Cuba defeated Panama 7–2 at the Estadio Fórum in La Guaira, with Christian Rodríguez launching a three-run homer. Colombia had eliminated Panama 6–4 in Thursday’s semifinal comeback.
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\nTwo days after the final out, Caracas was still celebrating. Navegantes del Magallanes were crowned 2026 Serie de las Américas champions on Friday night with a staggering 10–9 comeback win over Colombia’s Caimanes de Barranquilla — rallying from a 9–1 deficit with a seven-run eighth inning that silenced doubt at the Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar. Renato Núñez delivered the decisive hit, while Rougned Odor had earlier contributed a solo homer to keep the hosts within reach. Silvino Bracho earned the win in relief, and Felipe Vásquez closed it out for the save.
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\nThe championship capped a nine-day tournament that saw Venezuela rebound from an opening-day loss to Panama. The host squad then reeled off consecutive victories through the round-robin, demolished Cuba 9–1 behind 17 hits in the semifinal, and pulled off the greatest comeback in tournament history in the final. In the third-place game earlier Friday, Cuba defeated Panama 7–2 at the Estadio Fórum in La Guaira, with Christian Rodríguez launching a three-run homer. Colombia had eliminated Panama 6–4 in Thursday’s semifinal comeback.
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CONTEXT
\nVenezuela hosted the Serie de las Américas after being stripped of the 2026 Caribbean Series due to geopolitical tensions. The tournament, in its second edition, featured seven teams from across the Americas. Panama’s Águilas Metropolitanas won the inaugural edition in 2025.
\nVenezuela hosted the Serie de las Américas after being stripped of the 2026 Caribbean Series due to geopolitical tensions. The tournament, in its second edition, featured seven teams from across the Americas. Panama’s Águilas Metropolitanas won the inaugural edition in 2025.
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05
\nSerie de las Américas: The Full Tournament in Review
\nSerie de las Américas: The Full Tournament in Review
\nBaseball
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\nThe second edition of the Serie de las Américas wrapped up Friday after nine days of action at Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar and Estadio Fórum La Guaira. Seven nations competed in a full round-robin before semifinals, with the tournament producing consistently high-scoring games and several dramatic finishes.
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\nRound-robin standings had Panama’s Águilas Metropolitanas on top at 5–1, followed by Venezuela (Magallanes) at 4–1, Colombia (Caimanes de Barranquilla) at 3–2, Cuba at 2–3, Nicaragua (Leones de León) at 2–4, Argentina (Club DAOM) at 1–4, and Curaçao (Willemstad Cannons) at 1–4. In the semifinals, Venezuela crushed Cuba 9–1 and Colombia edged Panama 6–4 in a comeback of their own. Former MLB players Renato Núñez, Rougned Odor, and Hernán Pérez anchored Venezuela’s offense, while Cuba used the tournament as key preparation for the WBC.
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\nThe second edition of the Serie de las Américas wrapped up Friday after nine days of action at Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar and Estadio Fórum La Guaira. Seven nations competed in a full round-robin before semifinals, with the tournament producing consistently high-scoring games and several dramatic finishes.
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\nRound-robin standings had Panama’s Águilas Metropolitanas on top at 5–1, followed by Venezuela (Magallanes) at 4–1, Colombia (Caimanes de Barranquilla) at 3–2, Cuba at 2–3, Nicaragua (Leones de León) at 2–4, Argentina (Club DAOM) at 1–4, and Curaçao (Willemstad Cannons) at 1–4. In the semifinals, Venezuela crushed Cuba 9–1 and Colombia edged Panama 6–4 in a comeback of their own. Former MLB players Renato Núñez, Rougned Odor, and Hernán Pérez anchored Venezuela’s offense, while Cuba used the tournament as key preparation for the WBC.
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FINAL STANDINGS
\nVenezuela (Magallanes) · Colombia (Caimanes de Barranquilla) · Cuba (National Team) · 4th Panama (Águilas Metropolitanas). Cuba’s squad now pivots to WBC Pool A in San Juan, beginning March 6.
\nVenezuela (Magallanes) · Colombia (Caimanes de Barranquilla) · Cuba (National Team) · 4th Panama (Águilas Metropolitanas). Cuba’s squad now pivots to WBC Pool A in San Juan, beginning March 6.
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06
\nWBC Watch: 18 Days Out, Nine LATAM Nations in the Draw
\nWBC Watch: 18 Days Out, Nine LATAM Nations in the Draw
\nBaseball
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\nWith the Serie de las Américas now in the rearview mirror, the baseball calendar pivots to the biggest stage: the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Pool play opens March 5 in Tokyo with Pool C action. The other three pools — Miami (D), Houston (B), and San Juan (A) — begin March 6. The championship game is scheduled for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami.
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\nTwenty teams across four pools are confirmed. Latin American representation is deep: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil, and Panama are all in the draw. Team USA opens against Brazil in Houston on March 6 — a matchup with extra buzz given Braathen’s Olympic gold boosting Brazilian sporting fever. Rosters feature an unprecedented 78 confirmed MLB All-Stars, with Japan’s Shohei Ohtani headlining the defending champions. The tournament also carries 2028 Olympic qualifying implications — the top two Americas finishers (alongside host USA) earn berths at the Los Angeles Games.
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\nWith the Serie de las Américas now in the rearview mirror, the baseball calendar pivots to the biggest stage: the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Pool play opens March 5 in Tokyo with Pool C action. The other three pools — Miami (D), Houston (B), and San Juan (A) — begin March 6. The championship game is scheduled for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami.
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\nTwenty teams across four pools are confirmed. Latin American representation is deep: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil, and Panama are all in the draw. Team USA opens against Brazil in Houston on March 6 — a matchup with extra buzz given Braathen’s Olympic gold boosting Brazilian sporting fever. Rosters feature an unprecedented 78 confirmed MLB All-Stars, with Japan’s Shohei Ohtani headlining the defending champions. The tournament also carries 2028 Olympic qualifying implications — the top two Americas finishers (alongside host USA) earn berths at the Los Angeles Games.
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LATAM ANGLE
\nFive Latin American nations play in Pool A (San Juan): Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Panama, and Canada. Pool D (Miami) features Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Brazil qualified for the WBC for the first time since 2013 after winning their qualifying pool. Several players from Venezuela’s champion Magallanes squad are expected on the Venezuelan WBC roster.
\nFive Latin American nations play in Pool A (San Juan): Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Panama, and Canada. Pool D (Miami) features Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Brazil qualified for the WBC for the first time since 2013 after winning their qualifying pool. Several players from Venezuela’s champion Magallanes squad are expected on the Venezuelan WBC roster.
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07
\nBrasileirão Feminino Kicks Off: Palmeiras, Corinthians Cruise in Openers
\nBrasileirão Feminino Kicks Off: Palmeiras, Corinthians Cruise in Openers
\nFootball
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\nThe 2026 Brasileirão Feminino Serie A1 opened this week with 18 clubs — two more than last season — competing across the country. Palmeiras delivered a statement in their opener, routing América-MG 4–0 at Arena Barueri on Friday. Defending champions Corinthians also started with a clean sheet, winning 1–0 away at Atlético-MG at the Arena MRV on Saturday. Saturday’s card also featured Fluminense vs Vitória and Botafogo vs Juventude, with Red Bull Bragantino vs Ferroviária scheduled for Sunday.
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\nThe expanded competition will feature 167 games through October, with the top eight advancing to a knockout quarterfinal stage. The two last-placed teams face relegation to Serie A2.
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\nThe 2026 Brasileirão Feminino Serie A1 opened this week with 18 clubs — two more than last season — competing across the country. Palmeiras delivered a statement in their opener, routing América-MG 4–0 at Arena Barueri on Friday. Defending champions Corinthians also started with a clean sheet, winning 1–0 away at Atlético-MG at the Arena MRV on Saturday. Saturday’s card also featured Fluminense vs Vitória and Botafogo vs Juventude, with Red Bull Bragantino vs Ferroviária scheduled for Sunday.
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\nThe expanded competition will feature 167 games through October, with the top eight advancing to a knockout quarterfinal stage. The two last-placed teams face relegation to Serie A2.
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LATAM ANGLE
\nBrazilian women’s football continues to grow in profile and investment. The 18-club expansion and increased broadcast coverage mark a new era for the competition, which Corinthians have dominated with seven titles.
\nBrazilian women’s football continues to grow in profile and investment. The 18-club expansion and increased broadcast coverage mark a new era for the competition, which Corinthians have dominated with seven titles.
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08
\nLooking Ahead: Sunday February 15
\nLooking Ahead: Sunday February 15
\nPreview
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| DAY 9 | Winter Olympics — Medal events continue \nWomen’s GS (Shiffrin, Moltzan). USA vs Germany in men’s hockey (Group C final). Women’s hockey semis bracket set: USA vs Sweden, Canada vs Switzerland. |
| 17H30 | Gauchão Semifinal 1st Leg — Grêmio vs Juventude \nArena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre. Luís Castro’s side needing a response after 2–0 Brasileirão loss to São Paulo. Juventude missing suspended Rodrigo Sam and Marcos Paulo. |
| 20H30 | Gauchão Semifinal 1st Leg — Ypiranga vs Internacional \nColosso da Lagoa, Erechim. Inter topped Grupo A with best overall campaign. |
| 20H30 | Paulistão Rodada 8 (Final Round) — all matches simultaneous \nSão Bernardo vs Corinthians (1° de Maio). Palmeiras, Novorizontino, Bragantino, Portuguesa already through. 4 QF spots + relegation still open. |
| MAR 5 | WBC Pool C opens in Tokyo \nJapan, South Korea, Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia. Pools A/B/D begin March 6. 18 days out. |
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09
\nGauchão Semifinals: Grêmio-Juventude, Inter-Ypiranga Today
\nGauchão Semifinals: Grêmio-Juventude, Inter-Ypiranga Today
\nFootball
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\nThe Campeonato Gaúcho enters its decisive phase today with both semifinal first legs on the schedule. Grêmio host Juventude at the Arena in Porto Alegre at 17h30 BRT. Portuguese manager Luís Castro needs a response after the Tricolor’s 2–0 Brasileirão defeat to São Paulo on Wednesday, a game in which defender Wagner Leonardo was sent off. The return leg will be played at Juventude’s Alfredo Jaconi in Caxias do Sul.
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\nJuventude, under manager Maurício Barbieri, arrive with momentum from a dramatic quarterfinal comeback — they trailed São José 2–0 before scoring three times in stoppage time to win 3–2 — but will be without suspended defenders Rodrigo Sam and Marcos Paulo, both expelled in the post-match chaos. In the other bracket, Internacional travel to Erechim to face Ypiranga at 20h30 BRT, with the return at the Beira-Rio. In the event of aggregate equality after both legs, ties are decided by penalties.
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\nThe Campeonato Gaúcho enters its decisive phase today with both semifinal first legs on the schedule. Grêmio host Juventude at the Arena in Porto Alegre at 17h30 BRT. Portuguese manager Luís Castro needs a response after the Tricolor’s 2–0 Brasileirão defeat to São Paulo on Wednesday, a game in which defender Wagner Leonardo was sent off. The return leg will be played at Juventude’s Alfredo Jaconi in Caxias do Sul.
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\nJuventude, under manager Maurício Barbieri, arrive with momentum from a dramatic quarterfinal comeback — they trailed São José 2–0 before scoring three times in stoppage time to win 3–2 — but will be without suspended defenders Rodrigo Sam and Marcos Paulo, both expelled in the post-match chaos. In the other bracket, Internacional travel to Erechim to face Ypiranga at 20h30 BRT, with the return at the Beira-Rio. In the event of aggregate equality after both legs, ties are decided by penalties.
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CONTEXT
\nInternacional hold the best overall campaign in the Gauchão and finished atop Grupo A. The Gauchão final is scheduled for the first week of March. Both Grêmio and Inter also have Brasileirão commitments resuming later in the month.
\nInternacional hold the best overall campaign in the Gauchão and finished atop Grupo A. The Gauchão final is scheduled for the first week of March. Both Grêmio and Inter also have Brasileirão commitments resuming later in the month.
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10
\nPaulistão Final Round: Sunday Decides Quarterfinals and Relegation
\nPaulistão Final Round: Sunday Decides Quarterfinals and Relegation
\nFootball
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\nThe Campeonato Paulista heads into its eighth and final first-phase round on Sunday with Palmeiras, Novorizontino, RB Bragantino, and Portuguesa already through to the quarterfinals. Four more spots remain open, with Corinthians (5th, 11 points), Guarani, Botafogo-SP, and São Paulo currently occupying the top eight. Ponte Preta are already relegated; several clubs enter the final day fighting to avoid the second drop spot. All matches kick off simultaneously at 20h30 BRT.
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\nCorinthians, the defending Paulistão champions managed by Dorival Júnior, travel to São Bernardo needing a result to guarantee qualification. A win seals the deal; even a draw likely suffices. The Timão followed a 0–1 Derby loss to Palmeiras in the last Paulistão round with a 2–0 Brasileirão win over Red Bull Bragantino on Wednesday, restoring confidence.
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\nThe Campeonato Paulista heads into its eighth and final first-phase round on Sunday with Palmeiras, Novorizontino, RB Bragantino, and Portuguesa already through to the quarterfinals. Four more spots remain open, with Corinthians (5th, 11 points), Guarani, Botafogo-SP, and São Paulo currently occupying the top eight. Ponte Preta are already relegated; several clubs enter the final day fighting to avoid the second drop spot. All matches kick off simultaneously at 20h30 BRT.
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\nCorinthians, the defending Paulistão champions managed by Dorival Júnior, travel to São Bernardo needing a result to guarantee qualification. A win seals the deal; even a draw likely suffices. The Timão followed a 0–1 Derby loss to Palmeiras in the last Paulistão round with a 2–0 Brasileirão win over Red Bull Bragantino on Wednesday, restoring confidence.
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KEY MATCH
\nSão Bernardo FC vs Corinthians — 20h30 BRT, Estádio Primeiro de Maio, São Bernardo do Campo. Broadcast: Record (TV aberta), CazéTV (YouTube), HBO Max. Corinthians 5th with 11 points; São Bernardo 12th with 8.
\nSão Bernardo FC vs Corinthians — 20h30 BRT, Estádio Primeiro de Maio, São Bernardo do Campo. Broadcast: Record (TV aberta), CazéTV (YouTube), HBO Max. Corinthians 5th with 11 points; São Bernardo 12th with 8.
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This is part of The Rio Times’ comprehensive coverage of sports news across Brazil and Latin America.
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See who really holds power in Latin America
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