Internacional secured their place in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Athletic-MG on Tuesday night at Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, finishing 5-3 on aggregate. Goals from Borré, Allex, and Bernabei proved enough, despite a brace from Ian Luccas for the visitors. With the win, the Colorado now await the CBF draw to learn their next opponent.
Despite carrying a lead from the first leg, Internacional leaned on home support to push forward early. Vitinho created the first chance, crossing for Bernabei, whose shot sailed over the bar. Athletic responded when Kauan Rodrigues forced a corner after a deflection. The hosts broke the deadlock in the 20th minute: a free kick floated into the box was poorly cleared, and Bernabei’s rebound fell for Borré to tap in. However, Athletic equalized just before the half-hour mark as Gabryel Moisés set up Ian Luccas, who slotted past Rochet. Allex restored the lead in the 43rd minute, latching onto a pass and firing home to make it 2-1 at halftime.
The second half started slowly, but the momentum shifted when Athletic’s Gian Cabezas was sent off for elbowing Borré in the face. Internacional pushed for a third, with Borré hitting the post from Vitinho’s rebound, though offside was called. Three substitutions by Athletic failed to stem the tide, as Bruno Henrique forced a save from Luan Polli, and Victor Gabriel struck the crossbar. Against the run of play, Ian Luccas beat Rochet to a cross from Otusanya to equalize again in the 21st minute. But Bernabei had the final say two minutes later, receiving a pass and curling a shot into the net to seal the win.
Before their next cup fixture, Internacional return to Brasileirão action on Saturday, hosting Vasco at Beira-Rio at 18:30 local time. Athletic, meanwhile, face Juventude on Sunday at Arena Sicredi.
**Match Details:**
– **Internacional:** Rochet; Bruno Gomes (Alan Rodríguez), Félix Torres, Victor Gabriel, Bernabei; Villagra (Ronaldo), Bruno Henrique (Aguirre), Allan Patrick; Vitinho (Kayky), Borré, Allex (Bruno Tabata). Coach: Paulo Pezzolano.
– **Athletic:** Luan Polli; Douglas Silva (João Miguel), Jonathan Silva, Lucas Belezi, Zeca; Ian Luccas (Diogo Batista), Gian Cabezas, Gustavinho (Bruninho); Kauan Rodrigues, Gabryel Moisés (Samuel Otusanya), Marcelo (Max). Coach: Alex de Souza.
– **Goals:** Borré (20′), Ian Luccas (37′), Allex (43′) – first half; Ian Luccas (21′), Bernabei (23′) – second half.
– **Yellow Cards:** Alan Patrick (Internacional).
– **Red Card:** Gian Cabezas (Athletic).
– **Referee:** Lucas Casagrande (PR).
– **Venue:** Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (RS).
