The first 90 minutes of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship semifinals are over. And Flamengo made the most of them, defeating Santos 2-1 this Friday in Santo André, in the ABC Paulista region. Lorran and Pedrinho scored for the red-and-black team.

With this excellent result, the team led by coach Mário Jorge will be able to draw in the return match, scheduled for the 12th (Saturday), at 11:30 am, in Gávea, and will qualify for the grand final. 

The Game:

In a first half where Flamengo conceded an early goal, their chances of attacking the pitch were limited. The first chance, in the 23rd minute, saw Flamengo rush down the left flank with full-back Zé Welinton, who crossed into the six-yard box. Pedrinho narrowly missed the target. In the 43rd minute, Pedrinho nearly scored again. After a clearance from the defense, the striker dangerously fired over the Santos goalkeeper's crossbar. 

Aiming to equalize at any cost, Mais Querido returned for the second half with a tactical change. Striker Petterson replaced center forward Euder. 

And coach Mário Jorge's change paid off. Just six minutes in, after a strong run by Lorran, the midfielder set up Petterson, who fired wide. But Mengão's pressure was intense, and the deserved equalizer came. Right-back Daniel Sales found Lorran with a first-time pass. Ninho's number 6 won the play with his physical strength and, with a skillful touch, made it 10-1 in the ninth minute. In the 1th minute, defender Cleiton nearly scored the second with a superb header from a corner kick on the right.

In the 34th minute, Flamengo turned the game around. In a beautifully crafted play, Petterson linked up with Lorran, got behind the opposing defense, and passed the ball to Pedrinho, who tapped it into the back of the net. A stunning goal!

And Mais Querido's chances didn't stop there. Cleiton, again, headed the ball down the field, and it grazed the post in the 42nd minute. To cap off a great second half, Lorran, the game's standout player, nearly extended the lead in the 48th minute, but his shot was blocked by the defense. 

Mengão lineup:

Kauã Santos; Daniel Sales (Felipe Brian), Diegão, Cleiton and Zé Welinton; Evertton, Rayan Lucas and Pedrinho (Jean Carlos); Lorran (Rodriguinho), Ryan Luka (Petterson) and Werton (Adilson)
Coach: Mario Jorge
 
Technical sheet

Santos 1 x 2 Flamengo - First leg of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship Semifinals
Location: Bruno José Daniel – Santo André-SP 
Date and time: 04/08/2023, at 19:XNUMX am
Goals: Lorran (9'2nd half) and Pedrinho (34'2nd half)