In the 1999 season, the Cruzmaltino displayed great attacking quality, finishing 3rd in the league stage of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. A major highlight of the year was capturing the Taça Rio title, driven by a memorable performance from the returning idol Edmundo, who scored twice in a decisive 2-0 final victory over rivals Flamengo at the Maracanã. On the continental stage, the team also achieved a historic 5-1 win over Cerro Porteño in the Copa Mercosur.