Key Copa do Brasil Matches on April 22, 2026: Internacional, Fortaleza, and Vasco Take Crucial Steps Forward
On April 22, 2026, critical Copa do Brasil matches saw Internacional, Fortaleza, and Vasco gain important advantages in the fifth phase, with teams competing for R$ 2 million and spots in the round of 16.
- • Internacional faces Athletic-MG on April 22, with Bernabei and Mercado returning; Alerrandro may start.
- • Fortaleza hosts CRB at Arena Castelão, match streamed on Amazon Prime Video with CNN Esportes coverage.
- • Vasco defeated Paysandu 2-0, with Claudio Spinelli scoring both goals, taking a strong lead for the return leg.
- • Winning teams in this phase receive R$ 2 million and advance to the round of 16.
Key details
Several important Copa do Brasil matches took place on April 22, 2026, marking the first leg of the fifth phase with high stakes and competitive play.
In a pivotal match, Internacional faced Athletic-MG at 20:30. This contest also served as preparation before Internacional's upcoming game against Botafogo on April 25 at Arena BRB Mané Garrincha in Brasília. The match saw the return of players Bernabei and Mercado, with Alerrandro likely to start due to Borré's recent poor form. Fans attending upcoming games should note that entry to the Botafogo vs. Internacional match will require biometric facial recognition, with registration available in advance. The winning team in this phase will earn a R$ 2 million prize and advance to the round of 16.
Simultaneously, Fortaleza hosted CRB at Arena Castelão in Ceará at 20:30 (Brasília time). Fortaleza entered this round after a narrow 1-0 victory over Nova Iguaçu, while CRB advanced by defeating Figueirense by the same score. Coverage of Fortaleza vs. CRB was available on Amazon Prime Video with real-time updates from CNN Esportes. The second leg is set for May 14 at Estádio Rei Pelé in Maceió.
Meanwhile, Vasco de Gama secured a commanding 2-0 win against Paysandu in the first leg held at Mangueirão on April 21, building a strong advantage ahead of the return match at São Januário on May 21. Claudio Spinelli scored both goals in the second half, giving Vasco flexibility to advance even with a one-goal loss in the second match. On the same night, Corinthians also clinched an important 1-0 away victory against Barra-SC at Estádio da Ressacada, with Jesse Lingard scoring his first goal for the club in stoppage time of the first half. Their return leg will be at Neo Química Arena on May 14, where a draw would suffice for qualification.
These matches highlight the intensity and tactical play as teams vie for progression and prize money in Brazil's prestigious knockout tournament.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
