The 28‑year‑old centre‑back has featured in 31 matches for the Brazilians this season, and despite carrying a serious shoulder injury, he battled through the full 90 minutes as Sundowns edged their Moroccan rivals 1‑0.
Sundowns will look to end their long wait for a second Champions League crown with another strong performance when the two sides lock horns for the second leg in Morocco this weekend.
Ahead of the game, Cupido explained that he is prepared to play through the pain for his team.
“I had to take an injection, but anything for the badge,” Cupido said in the Sowetan.
“I’m just lucky to be back on the field. If the team needs me, I have to be there whenever they need me through pain or whatever, but I’m happy to be on the field again. It’s my happy place also.”
READ: Mamelodi Sundowns claim slender advantage in CAF Champions League final
Reflecting on the first leg, the player added: “They’re a really good team. They play from the crosses, also set-pieces as well.
“But also, as a team, we knew their strengths, and we worked on it in training, and we didn’t give them the opportunity.”
“We know when we play away, it’s a different game. It’s their own game, so we’re not going to expect what they did here; they’re going to do it that side as well.
“It’s going to be more difficult for us, but as a team, we know if we’re together, it’s going to be easy,” Cupido explained.