Photo: Conmebol/disclosure

The U-20 Ninho Boys are in the CONMEBOL Libertadores final. In a thrilling match, particularly in the second half, Flamengo came from behind to defeat Rosario Central-ARG 2-1 this Thursday in Maldonado, Uruguay, securing a spot in the final of the Americas' premier competition for the first time. Defender Iago was the hero of the match, scoring both goals for Flamengo. 

The opponent in the grand final will be Boca Juniors-ARG, next Sunday (17), at 15 pm (Brasília time), in the same Uruguayan city as the semi-final. 

The game

A first half with few offensive actions from the red-black team. The most dangerous moment came in the 45th minute. A good play by the red-and-black attack resulted in Nigerian Shola forcing the goalkeeper to palm the ball out.

Flamengo came back hungry for victory in the second half. In the second minute, left-back Zé Welinton hit the post with a shot from outside the box.

The team continued to grow and Lorran looked for the ball to supply the attacking players, the Most Beloved reached the equalizer. After a pass from the number 10, Wallace Yan was brought down inside the box. Defender Iago, with great skill, converted the penalty and made it 1-1. 

At 26, Mengão turned things around. From a corner kick from the left by Zé Welinton, Iago scored with a precise header. This was the defender-scorer's fourth goal in the competition.

The final minutes were thrilling, with the opposing team pushing forward in an attempt to equalize. But with a tight defense and the grit of the red-and-black youth, Mengão celebrated at the final whistle. 

Lineup: Caio Barone; Lucyan, Iago, Carbone and Zé Welinton; Caio Garcia, Rayan Lucas and Lorran; Wallace Yan, Shola and Welinton.

Entered: Pedro Estevam, Victor Silva and João Souza.

Coach Mario Jorge.

Data sheet: 

Flamengo 2 x 1 Rosario Central-ARG Conmebol Libertadores U-20 - Semifinal 

Stadium: Domingo Burgueño (Maldonado - Uruguay)

Time: 18:30 (from Brasilia)

Goals: Iago in the 11th and 26th minutes