São Paulo rally with wonder goal, lead Guarani in U20 semi-final; watch | OneFootball

São Paulo did their homework well and came from behind to beat Guarani 2-1 this Friday (17th), at CFA Laudo Natel, in Cotia, in the first leg of the semifinal of the Paulista Under-20 Championship.

Midfielder Bezerra and top scorer Gustavo Santana scored the goals for the tricolor team in the first match of the state duel in Cotia.

The first half was quite lively, with the team from Campinas opening the scoring just 15 minutes in. However, the Tricolor reacted quickly and equalized in the 19th minute with Bezerra. The skillful full-back Nicolas set up the midfielder after a corner kick, who finished with the inside of his foot into the right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and tying the game 1-1.

The São Paulo comeback came still in the first half, at the 41st minute, with Gustavo Santana. Pedro Ferreira dribbled past everyone through the middle, delivered a precise pass to the number 11, who fired a beautiful shot into the top corner, unstoppable, to turn the score around. Watch below:

In the second half, the Made In Cotia boys had good chances to increase the lead, but were stopped by great saves from the opposing goalkeeper. One of the highlights of the victory, midfielder Pedro Ferreira admitted to feeling a bit frustrated for not having built a bigger lead, but emphasized the advantage gained in the first match.

“[Frustrated?] I think so, we missed goals we shouldn't have. But we managed to start the second half well, managed to hold on to the win and we managed to come away with the victory. Now we have to work well during the week, so that in the second game we can win again and qualify,” said the Made in Cotia player to TNT Sports right after the match.

Now, the second leg of the state semifinal takes place next Saturday, the 25th, at 10 a.m. (Brasília time), this time at Thelmo de Almeida stadium, in Cosmópolis. Before that, São Paulo faces Operário-MS on Wednesday (22nd), at 3 p.m., for the Under-20 Brazil Cup, in a single match valid for the first stage of the national competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.