Anápolis beats Paysandu 3-1 in Copa Verde final first leg
On 4 June 2026, Anápolis defeated Paysandu 3–1 in the first leg of the 2026 Copa Verde final at the Jonas Duarte stadium in Goiás. Goals came from Juninho (15′), Matheus Lagoa (49′) and Leonan (29′) for the hosts, with Juninho adding a late consolation goal for Paysandu in stoppage time (47′). Anápolis finished the match with ten men after Helder’s red card.
The result gives Anápolis a three‑goal advantage heading into the decisive second leg in Belém’s Mangueirão on 7 June. Paysandu must win by at least three goals to claim the title outright, or by two to force a penalty shoot‑out. Coach Júnior Rocha acknowledged his side’s below‑expected performance but emphasized the squad’s psychological strength and the decisive role of the home crowd in the upcoming match. Historical notes highlight that only one team – Cuiabá in 2015 – has overturned a two‑goal deficit in a Copa Verde final, underscoring the difficulty of Paysandu’s task. Both clubs have already secured qualification for the 2027 Copa do Brasil.