Zumbi-AL won a surprising victory against Flamengo, 2-1, in the second round of the group stage of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.
The result leaves Zumbi at the top of Group 23, with six points and early classification. The team will need to beat EC São Bernardo to guarantee classification.
The game started at the Rei Pelé Stadium, dominating the actions and imposing its rhythm with pressure on the opponent’s ball. After 10 minutes, Gusttavo performed a skillful move from the edge, applying a scooter to the marker and crossing into the area. Zumbi’s defense, when trying to clear it, ended up deflecting it against its own goal, putting Flamengo at an advantage.
The Rio team maintained control of the game in the following minutes and created good chances to increase the score. Telles and Filipe Lima had clear opportunities, but failed to finish.
Zumbi, however, found space to react by returning pressure to the opponent’s field and betting on quick transitions. In one of these attacks, Flamengo’s defense was unable to clear a dangerous shot, and goalkeeper Caio Barone rebounded. Ruan took advantage of the surplus and tied the match.
Excited about the goal, Zumbi continued to threaten. Igor almost scored with a shot that required two saves from Barone, who managed to recover in time to avoid the turnover at that moment.
The turning goal came in the second half in an intelligent offensive move. The ball was launched into the Flamengo area, and Ruan made a precise pass, leaving Cauã free to hit the corner and turn the match around.
In stoppage time, the match referee caught a handball from Cauã, from Zumbi, and awarded the penalty to . In the charge, Germano went for the strike, but exaggerated his strength and isolated the charge, allowing the Rubro-negra defeat in the Copinha.
