Ibrachina is in the semi-finals of the Copinha. In a match marked by twists and turns at Arena Barueri, the team from the East Zone drew 2-2 with Palmeiras in normal time and won the penalty shootout, eliminating the current champion from the competition this Monday (19).
Palmeiras started better and opened the scoring just six minutes into the first half. Sorriso took a free kick from the left wing, rose to the second post and found defender Pimenta, who rose higher than the opposing defense and headed firmly into the back of the net. The early goal gave peace of mind to Verdão, who began to control the actions of the match.
With greater offensive volume, the Alviverde team created good opportunities to expand, but stopped with a great performance from goalkeeper Gabriel Sena. In the 33rd minute, he made two consecutive saves in the same move, first with a shot from the edge of the area and then by quickly coming out at Sorriso’s feet to avoid the rebound. In stoppage time, Antônio Marcos invaded the area from the left and hit a cross, demanding another decisive intervention from Ibrachina’s number 1.
The scenario changed in the second half. In the 12th minute, Ibrachina equalized with a set piece. Luiz Fernando took the so-called “latereio” directly into the area, the Palmeiras defense was unable to clear it and Pirituba appeared to finish with precision, leaving everything the same.
The turning point came in the 19th minute. Kauan Christian took advantage of a closed cross at the first post, headed the ball past the Palmeiras goalkeeper, giving Ibrachina the advantage and completely changing the course of the match.
Even at a disadvantage, Palmeiras continued to press and sought a draw in the 37th minute. In a corner kick at the first post, Fábio deflected it, shared it with the marker and sent the ball into the back of the goal, taking the decision to penalties.
In the dispute, the balance marked the first charges until the decisive moment. Eduardo isolated Palmeiras’ charge, and Kauan Christian put Ibrachina ahead again. Fábio also converted for Verdão, but Vicente Garcia scored afterwards. In the last shot from Palmeiras, Gabriel Sena defended and guaranteed Ibrachina’s historic qualification to the Copinha semi-final.
