Superior in both games, U-17 eliminates São Paulo and is in another Brazilian final
With goals from Mateusão and Victor Hugo, Garotos do Ninho won 2-1 in Gávea and await Cruzeiro or Vasco in the final.
By Ian Sena - in
Brazilian champion in 2019, Mengão's U-17 team confirmed the best campaign in the history of the Brasileirão in this category and, after being superior to São Paulo during the two semifinal games of the competition, beat Tricolor Paulista 2-1 (Mateusão and Victor Hugo) on Saturday afternoon (31), in Gávea, guaranteeing their place in the second Brazilian Championship final in three years with an aggregate score of 5-4. The opponent in the last step of the Garotos do Ninho towards the second national championship will come from the clash between Cruzeiro and Vasco, who drew 2-2 in the first leg and face each other again this Sunday. Regardless of the opponent, Mengão will play the second leg of the final at home.
The game
Just three minutes in, Mateusão received the ball in midfield and burst into the box face-to-face with goalkeeper Leandro. But his shot was weak, making it easy for the São Paulo goalkeeper to save. Ten minutes in, Matheus Gonçalves passed to Mateusão, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper again. Mengão started the game well and pressed forward in search of the first goal. São Paulo only threatened in the 22nd minute, with a cross-shot from Matheus Manso. Dyogo Alvez made a good save, and Darlan cleared the danger on the rebound.
Flamengo was all for it. In the 29th minute, Matheus França passed to Mateusão, who crossed the ball to the right of Leandro's goal. Two minutes later, Matheus Gonçalves took a chance from the edge of the box, but Leandro made another save. But it was São Paulo who opened the scoring, with Ythallo's goal in the 35th minute.
The situation remained unchanged in the second half. The Ninho Boys attacked and pressed for a goal from the opening whistle. Three minutes in, Petterson turned the ball from inside the box, but the ball went wide. Ten minutes in, the goal finally came. After a beautiful play by Matheus Gonçalves, Mateusão received the ball in the box and this time made no mistake. The Flamengo center forward controlled the ball with style, shook off his marker, and slotted it into the back of the net.
The Mais Querido wasn't satisfied, and wanted a comeback and a spot in the final. In the 24th minute, Petterson was brought down inside the box. Matheus França took the penalty, but Leandro saved. The Rubro-Negro remained undeterred and continued attacking. In the 35th minute, after a beautiful pass from Petterson, Victor Hugo battled with the defense and tried twice before finishing into the back of the net, sending Mengão into another Brazilian U-17 Championship final.
Flamengo: Coach: Junior Bezerra.
WE'RE IN THE FINAL!
- Flamengo (@Flamengo) July 31, 2021
With goals from @Mateusao9 e @VictorHg_10, Mengão beat São Paulo 2-1 and qualified for the final of the U-17 Brazilian Championship! THIS IS FLAMENGO! #NestKids #Let's Flamengo
?: @mcortesdasilva8 /CRF pic.twitter.com/i5mJuTGRhN