Flamengo draws with Portuguesa in the Rio U-20 Cup
The team needs a win in the last round to qualify for the semifinals.
By Flamengo - in
Flamengo had a chance to take the lead in Group A of the Rio U-20 Cup this Sunday, but they tied with Portuguesa, leaving the decision for the final round. On Sunday morning, the teams faced off at Nivaldo Pereira Stadium in Baixada Fluminense, and tied 1-1.
With this result, Flamengo is in third place in the group, with 10 points, with only one round remaining to determine the teams that qualify for the semifinals. The team has the same number of points as Vasco and Resende, but loses in the tiebreaker criteria. Because of this, the Mais Querido will define its position in the Taça Rio next Sunday (08), against Boavista, at 15 pm, in Gávea, needing a win and depending on a stumble by the rival teams. Champion of the Taça Guanabara, the team has already qualified for the semifinals of the State Championship.
Flamengo took the lead. Needing a win, the Ninhos Boys threw themselves at Lusa, and Vitor Gabriel, with his first chance to attack, made no mistake and made it 1-0. Portuguesa had a chance to equalize with a penalty kick, but Gabriel Batista saved Andrezinho's shot, keeping Flamengo ahead, a score that remained until the end of the first half.
In the final stage, under intense heat, the two teams studied each other closely and created few chances. The best came from set pieces. And that's how Lusa equalized. Another penalty was awarded, this time well taken by Pedro, who beat Gabriel and leveled the match.
Flamengo then pushed forward and nearly scored a second through Lucas Silva, but goalkeeper Pedro Gabriel saved Portuguesa from defeat. Matheus Dantas also had a chance, but the goalkeeper again denied him, as did Wendell in the final minutes. And the result ended in a 1-1 draw, indifferent for Portuguesa, but detrimental for Flamengo.