Diego Coelho, of Real Brasil, says the draw would have been fair and complains about a penalty not given in the Copa Rex opener

Real Brasil left the field defeated in the opening match of the Copa Rex 2026, but coach Diego Coelho left Estádio Coronel Juventino Dias convinced his team deserved more. After the 2-1 loss to Operário on the night of November 4, in Round 1 of Group B, he spoke to reporter Renato Corrêa, of Rádio Cultura, and did not hide his frustration with the refereeing.

Operário won with goals from Lalado, from the penalty spot, and Rian. Felipe pulled one back for Real Brasil. In the final stage, Diego pushed his team forward and sent in players aged 18 to 20 to play at speed. "With that, we were happy, we managed to score and create more chances. I believe the draw would have been the fairest result", he said.

The coach made a point of acknowledging his opponent. "We cannot take away Operário's merit, a tough, seasoned team. You see a player like Lalado, it's outrageous how well he plays football." He also admitted the penalty against Real Brasil existed. "It was a penalty, and he took it right away. But I'm fair: just as it was a penalty for them, the referee also made a mistake." According to Diego, a Real Brasil player was stepped on inside the box in a play that happened near the bench. "To me it was a mistake, and once again we leave with an unfair result, hurt by the refereeing."

In the club's third year in the first division, the coach recalled other plays he considers wrongly called in past editions, including a penalty in the final play against Social. "I won't say we were targeted, I don't like taking things the wrong way. There's a bit of a lack of attention. I don't want to be helped. I just want them to do what is right."

The goal remains qualification. "It's a tough group, a strong group, but we will go for it. The trend is for us to qualify, in Jesus' name." Diego said two or three players already registered could not play in the opener and should bolster the attack and defense. The core, however, is young and home-grown. "I put six players developed in the Real Brasil social project on the field, and four of those six started. It's very rewarding to see our work happening." One of these youngsters, Victor, already has a contract and will travel at the end of the year to try to establish himself in professional football.

The coach also addressed questions about Gabriel Miranda's situation; he had trained with another club in the city. According to him, the player never signed a contract and has no professional ties. "Real Brasil is an organized team that follows the rules. We check documents, we consult the organization, and it was confirmed to us that he was cleared to play." Diego also said he removed another athlete from the squad precisely because that player had a professional contract, and praised Gabriel's potential: "He has a very strong finishing ability. He will improve as the competition goes on."

Real Brasil returns to the field on November 17 at 20h15 against Borussia, in Round 2 of Group B, seeking their first win. "We're going for the three points and, consequently, qualification", Diego said.

All Copa Rex matches are broadcast live on Rádio Cultura 96.5 FM and on the station's YouTube channel. The full broadcast of Operário x Real Brasil is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k8W7SZYrk4

Copa Rex 2026 is sponsored by the Lavras Municipal Government, Supermercados Rex, Sicoob Copermec, Pax Carvalho, Chopp Brahma Express, Fábrica de Óculos, Casel Materiais de Construção, Laboratório Santa Cecília, 123 Car, Conecta Internet and Fadminas (Adventist College of Minas Gerais).