The cup was played out in Brazil on Sunday. A former Bayern professional was able to lift the trophy towards the evening sky, while a former Wolfsburg player was among those to lose.
Former Bayern and Schalke player Rafinha made his mark in the Brazilian top club’s history books in FC Sao Paulo’s first cup win. The 38-year-old, who collected numerous titles for Bayern Munich from 2011 to 2019 and previously played for Schalke 04 between 2005 and 2010, captained the side to collect the historic trophy on Sunday after a 1-1 draw in the second leg against CR Flamengo.
The goals at the Stadion Morumbi were scored by ex-Wolfsburg player Bruno Henrique (45th) for Flamengo and Rodrigo Nestor (45.+2) shortly before the interval.
In the first leg in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo had won 1-0 with a goal from Argentinian Jonathan Calleri. Rafinha, at the club since January 2022, had won the DFB-Pokal four times with Bayern in addition to seven championships and the Champions League triumph in 2013.
Colombian superstar James Rodriguez, who joined Bayern Munich on loan from Real Madrid from 2017 to 2019, was not substituted by Sao Paulo coach Dorival Junior. The coach had won the cup last year with opponents Flamengo.
