U-17 defeats Atlético MG in BH, and takes the lead in the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Championship
With a beautiful goal from Victor Hugo on a free kick and another from Darlan, Garotos do Ninho win the first leg and open up an advantage in the fight for a place in the semifinals.
By Ian Sena - in
Isolated leader of Group A and owner of the best campaign in the general classification of the Brazilian Under-17 Championship, with eight victories in nine games, the Garotos do Ninho led by coach Mario Jorge visited Atlético MG on Thursday afternoon (08) at SESC Alterosas, in Belo Horizonte, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the most important national competition in the category.
With a great defensive performance, Mengão won 2-0, with a true free kick goal from number 10 Victor Hugo and another header from defender Darlan, and took the lead in the fight for a place in the semifinals, where Flamengo wants to be for the third year in a row. Next Thursday (15), Mais Querido receives the rival from Minas Gerais at 19 pm, in a location yet to be defined, and can lose by up to one goal to guarantee its place in the semifinals of the Brasileirão.
The game
Mengão started the game better, pressing their opponents and looking for a goal from the opening whistle. Just four minutes in, Rodriguinho stole the ball in the attacking half, burst into the box, and unleashed a powerful shot. Goalkeeper Robert made his first big save of the game, palming the ball away for a corner. The kick-off fell to Rodriguinho again, who fired over the Minas Gerais goal.
The red-and-black dominance continued, and the Boys from the Nest opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a truly stunning goal. Victor Hugo perfectly placed a free kick from mid-range into Robert's right corner, leaving Atlético's goalkeeper with no chance. A stunning goal from the Mais Querido's number 10 put Mengão ahead.
Flamengo nearly extended their lead in the 22nd minute, when Rodriguinho crossed to Mateusão, who struck first-time from near the edge of the six-yard box. Robert made another excellent save, preventing Flamengo's second goal of the match. In the 31st minute, Rodriguinho made another fine individual play but shot wide of the net. The home team only threatened in the 40th minute, with a header from Yan. Well-positioned and alert, Dyogo Alves made the save with confidence.
In the first minute of the second half, Vitor Muller shot over the goal from the edge of the box. The Mais Querido (Most Beloved) showed they would continue attacking, looking for more goals. In the ninth minute, Isaac unleashed a bomb from inside the box, and Dyogo Alves, the red-and-black defender, made a spectacular save, palming the ball out for a corner.
Late in the game, Mengao extended their lead. In the 42nd minute, Petterson delivered a perfect corner kick to Darlan, who headed it beautifully for the Rubro-Negro's second goal. In the final play of the match, Dyogo Alves made an exceptional save from Vitinho, securing the Garotos do Ninho's crucial advantage for the return leg next week in Rio.
Coach: Mario Jorge.
Check out the goals from Mengão's victory: