The draw for the fifth phase of Copa of Brasil defined the next clashes in a competition that has already proven to be full of surprises and twists. Enquanto the elite clubs of national football enter this stage, other teams had to overcome several challenges to reach this level. The journey so far was marked by unexpected outcomes, where some favorites stumbled against teams considered to be of lesser importance, being eliminated early.
The current scenario of the competition highlights the resilience of smaller clubs and the inherent unpredictability of the tournament. At each stage, the tension and emotion increase, now culminating in back-and-forth clashes that promise even more intensity. The public fervently follows each move, aware that the history of Copa of Brasil is written with surprising victories and unexpected falls.
Attention turns to the unique trajectory of a few teams that defied the odds. The Jacuipense, for example, emerged as the big sensation, representing the Série D of the Campeonato Brasileiro and showing that passion and determination can overcome technical and financial disparities.
The rise of the zebra
Jacuipense, Riachão’s team from Jacuípe, in Bahia, consolidated itself as the biggest surprise of the edition by eliminating Novorizontino, who had been runner-up in São Paulo in the current season. The triumph came on penalties, 5-4, after a goalless draw in normal time playing at home, highlighting the strength and tactical organization of the Bahian team that had already beaten Ceilândia and Santa Catarina in previous stages.
With this remarkable campaign, Jacuipense is the only representative of Série D of Este confrontation promises to be a definitive test for the “zebra” of the competition, attracting looks from all over the country.
Favorites that couldn’t resist
Copa of Brasil did not forgive even teams with tradition and a more solid history. In the fourth phase, Sport, which had been relegated to Série B last season, was surprisingly eliminated by Athletic, from São João del Rei, Minas Gerais. Leão lost 3-1 to Ilha against Retiro, a result that shocked their fans and paved the way for the Minas Gerais team, also from the second division, which will now have Internacional as their next opponent.
In the third phase, América-MG, which competes in the second division of Brasileirão, succumbed to Barra, from Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina. The team from Minas Gerais was eliminated on penalties, away from home, after a goalless draw. Barra, which belongs to Série C of Campeonato Brasileiro, proved its ability by advancing and, later, eliminating Volta Redonda also on penalties, and is now preparing for a historic clash against Corinthians.
Cuiabá, a team that spent years in the elite of Brazilian football and currently competes in Série B, was another victim of the “zebras” in the second phase of the competition. The team from Mato Grosso was surpassed by the modest Santa Catarina, by Rio of the Sul, in the Vale of the Itajaí. Após a 1-1 draw in normal time, Santa Catarina won on penalties 5-4, guaranteeing their place, although they were later eliminated by Jacuipense in subsequent clashes.
Format change and elite clashes
The fifth phase of Copa of Brasil marks a significant change in the regulations, being the first stage of this edition to be decided in round-trip matches, unlike the previous stages, which were played in a single game. Essa change increases the strategy and adaptability of clubs, which now need to plan not just one, but two decisive clashes. Of the 32 clubs that remain in contention, the composition reflects the diversity of Brazilian football, with 20 representatives from the first division, eight from Série B, three from Série C and the singular Jacuipense, from Série D, promising balanced and unpredictable clashes. The first matches of the fifth phase are scheduled for April 22nd and 23rd, while the return matches will take place between May 13th and 14th, just before the stoppage for the Copa of Mundo of 2026, with the exact dates yet to be officially confirmed by the Confederação Brasileira of Futebol.
The unexpected journey of smaller teams
The saga of clubs like Athletic and Barra illustrates the strength of regional football and the ability to overcome teams with more limited budgets. Esses teams, driven by the possibility of national projection and prize money, see each match as a true final. The elimination of more capable opponents is not only a sporting feat, but also a catalyst for the development and visibility of these institutions.
Smaller clubs often count on the fervent support of their communities, transforming stadiums into true cauldrons capable of intimidating any giant. Essa paixão local, aliada à disciplina tática e à garra em campo, tem sido um diferencial crucial para a concretização de grandes surpresas ao longo das primeiras fases da competição.
Impact on club finances and planning
Participation and, mainly, advancement in the phases of Copa to Brasil represent a significant financial impact for clubs, especially for those of lesser importance. Cada stage passed guarantees a new prize quota, which can be vital for sustainability and investment in infrastructure, youth categories and squad reinforcement. Para a team like Jacuipense, from Série D, each million reais earned is a financial injection capable of changing the club’s level for years.
On the other hand, early elimination for the so-called “favorites” not only means the loss of the title chance, but also a severe blow to budgetary projections. Clubes of Série A and B often rely on the collection of Copa of The unexpected departure forces a review of plans, which could create pressure on the board and technical committee.
The competition becomes a true watershed, where performance on the field translates directly into opportunities for growth or serious financial setbacks. The expectation of a hefty prize motivates everyone involved, from the president to the last player, to do their best in each game, aware of what is at stake.
The tension of return duels
With the transition to the round-trip format in the fifth phase, the dynamics of the games change drastically. The possibility of reversing an adverse score in the second game or managing an advantage becomes a fundamental strategic element.
The next chapters of the national competition
The anticipation for the home and away games, scheduled for April and May, is palpable, with fans eager to witness the next chapters of this exciting Copa of Brasil. The 20 clubs from Série A that are now entering the dispute, including giants like Palmeiras and Corinthians, will have the task of facing the “zebras” who have already shown their ability to eliminate larger opponents.
It will be interesting to see how the elite teams will deal with the pressure of facing teams that are already in good shape and with high morale due to their surprising campaigns. The beauty of the tournament lies precisely in this unpredictability, where the strength of the shirt does not always guarantee victory. The Copa of the Brasil continues to be a storehouse of stories and a stage for the unexpected in national football.
