Corinthians win Copa Brasil

Corinthians lifted their second trophy of the season when they won the Copa Brasil on Wednesday.

A 2-2 draw at Internacional in the second leg in Porto Alegre, in which two players were sent off and both coaches dismissed, earned Corinthians a 4-2 aggregate victory.

Inter's Argentine midfielder Andres D'Alessandro was shown a straight red card in the 78th minute for fighting. Corinthians, who won the first leg 2-0 in Sao Paulo two weeks ago, had midfielder Elias sent off for a second booking five minutes later.

Victory handed Corinthians, who won the regional Paulista championship earlier in the season, the first of five Brazilian berths in next year's Libertadores Cup.

"We achieved our main objective of the year," said Ronaldo, referring to the Libertadores Cup berth. The striker had a quiet game on Wednesday after scoring in the first leg.

"I think this team showed fighting spirit, strength, unity and above all tactical discipline. It was a great final. Pity about the provocation but that doesn't take the shine off our victory," he told reporters.

It was Corinthians' third Copa Brasil win after success in 1995 and 2002.