Rio Branco-ES is waiting for its opponent in the Copa Centro-Oeste finals (also the semifinals of the Copa Verde) after advancing past Gama. The team will face either Vila Nova or Anápolis, with the decisive match taking place this Wednesday. The Capa-Preta fans want the return leg of the final to be held on their home turf.
According to Article 21 of the competition’s regulations, the home advantage for the final’s second leg is determined by the following criteria in order: 1) Most points accumulated throughout the entire competition (sum of all phases); 2) Most wins across all phases; 3) Best goal difference across all phases; 4) Most goals scored across all phases; 5) Drawing of lots.
Rio Branco-ES finished second in Group A of the Copa Centro-Oeste’s first phase with eight points. Adding the result of the semifinal match—a 1-0 victory over Gama—the team now has 11 total points, three wins, and a goal difference of +2.
To secure the second final match at home, Rio Branco-ES needs the clash between Vila Nova and Anápolis to end in a draw in regular time, forcing a penalty shootout. In that scenario, the Brancão would have a better overall campaign than either potential opponent.
Overall Campaign in the Copa Centro-Oeste:
– Rio Branco-ES: 11 points, 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, 6 goals for, 4 against, +2 goal difference.
– Anápolis: 9 points, 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses, 9 goals for, 3 against, +6 goal difference.
– Vila Nova: 8 points, 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, 10 goals for, 4 against, +6 goal difference.
If there is a winner in the match between the Goiás teams, the return leg of the Copa Centro-Oeste final will be held in Goiás. Head coach Rodrigo César is hoping for a draw so that Rio Branco can decide the regional title at their own stadium:
“That’s the main objective. We’ll be rooting for a draw so we can decide it at home, in our stadium, in front of our fans. This final match will also be good for the state, for our supporters, and for us to play at home on our pitch with the atmosphere at Kleber Andrade. It will be excellent. Let’s wait and hope for the draw there so we can decide this game at home,” said Rodrigo César.
According to the CBF’s Copa Centro-Oeste schedule, the two final matches are set for the next two Wednesdays—May 20 and May 27. The future champion will earn a direct spot in the third round of the 2027 Copa do Brasil and will also decide the 2026 Copa Verde title.