Belo Horizonte (Brazil) Oct 11 (IANS) A first-half goal from former Brazil international midfielder Thiago Neves handed defending champions Cruzeiro a 1-0 victory over Corinthians in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final here.

The 33-year-old struck just before halftime by heading in after Egidio Pereira s cross at the Mineirao Stadium on Wednesday evening reports Xinhua news agency.

The visitors night went from bad to worse in second-half stoppage time when midfielder Angelo Araos was sent off after two rash challenges in quick succession.

The final s second leg will be played at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo next Wednesday (October 17).

The winner of the Copa do Brasil will earn an automatic berth in next year s Copa Libertadores South American football s premier club competition.

--IANS