Damião secures victory

Leandro Damião put on an inspiring performance. The first goal at 19 de Outubro Stadium was scored by the State Championship’s runner-up top goal scorer. Picking up a pass with his back to the goal, he quickly spun and sent the ball rocketing into the left corner of the goal, leaving Oliveira looking on in dismay. Damião was once again involved in the play for the second goal, with Gabriel taking advantage of a cross that was poorly cleared by the defenders.

Showing great enthusiasm on the field, the striker also had a hand in D'Alessandro’s goal, sending a neat pass to the Argentine midfielder, who scored the third goal of the match. Damião would also score an amazing goal before being replaced by Caio. Noticing the goalkeeper leaving his line, he struck from the outside corner of the penalty area, chipping the ball over the keeper and right into the top corner. It was his 82nd goal in 139 matches.

Solid defense

Inter's impressive offensive performance in Ijuí was equally matched by its defensive tactics. Defending duo Rodrigo Moledo and Juan played perfectly, frustrating the efforts of opposing strikers. Defensive Midfielder Ygor also played a fundamental role in marking, as did wingers Gabriel and Fabrício. Inter ended the first round conceding six goals in 11 matches.

Top-scoring offensive duo

Inter's attack includes the State Championship’s top scorer and runner-up: Forlán, with six goals, and Damião, with five. Of the 20 goals scored by Colorado in the Piratini Cup, 11 came from the duo.

First title for coach Dunga

World champion as a player in 1994 and as coach for Brazilian National Team in the 2007 Copa América and 2009 Confederations Cup, Dunga’s achievements still lacked a title as coach of a club. And it was thanks to Inter, his original team, and a match played out in his hometown of Ijuí, that he managed to attain this feat.