The Copa União was a huge success both in terms of stadium attendance and TV audience, and also for the quality of football that was displayed. Having barely qualified for the semifinals, Flamengo went on to eliminate favorite Atlético Mineiro with two historic wins, 1–0 at the Estádio do Maracanã and 3–2 at the Mineirão. In the final round, the Rio de Janeiro side became the champions after a 1–1 draw in Porto Alegre and a 1–0 victory at the Maracanã over Internacional.