Fluminense kick off Copa Xerém with defeat to Independiente Del Valle | OneFootball

Fluminense was defeated in the Copa Xerém debut by Independiente Del Valle, 2-1. The Xerém youngsters fell behind on the scoreboard but managed to reduce the deficit in the final minutes with a goal from captain Gorgulho. As a result, the tricolor team is at the bottom of Group A, alongside Univassouras Artsul-RJ and Porto Vitória. In the other group match, the teams drew 0-0.

First Half

The match started quite balanced and tight in the midfield, with the tricolor having a bit more possession. The first shot of the match came at 11 minutes after Brasília was fouled at the edge of the area. Vagno took the free kick but hit the wall. The Ecuadorians responded shortly after. Gipson received the ball on the left and delivered a beautiful cross to Maicol, who got ahead of the defense and opened the scoring in Laranjeiras. At 17 minutes, Del Valle almost extended their lead. Jose Sosa took a dangerous free kick that Gustavo Félix saved.

The first shot on goal for the Xerém youngsters came at 25 minutes. After a cross from the left, Kelwin headed the ball, but Elkin saved it. The Xerém youngsters began to play better. At 33 minutes, Vagno took a precise corner kick, and Wallace Davi finished it, forcing a great save from the Ecuadorian goalkeeper. Felipe Canavan's team started to dominate the match in the final minutes but struggled to break through the Ecuadorian defense. In stoppage time, Fabinho tried a long shot, resulting in another good save by Elkin.

Second Half

Fluminense returned stronger and pressing in the second half. But at 5 minutes, Del Valle launched a quick counterattack on the left with Elkin Congo, who crossed for Maicol to score his second goal of the match. Shortly after, defender Loiola committed a hard foul near the area and received his second yellow card. However, the Ecuadorians' numerical advantage didn't last long, as Jorge Mina also received a second yellow after blocking a free kick.

With 10 against 10, the Xerém youngsters regained control of the match, seeking to reduce the deficit. But as in the first half, Felipe Canavan's team continued to struggle to break through the Ecuadorian defense. At 34 minutes, Wesley Natã took a precise free kick, and Gorgulho headed it in to reduce the score in Laranjeiras.

After the goal, the Xerém youngsters pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and at 38 minutes, Wesley Natã stole the ball at the edge of the area and shot with great danger. Fluminense applied final pressure in stoppage time but couldn't score the goal.

Next Match

The Xerém youngsters will now face the current Copa Xerém champion, Porto Vitória. The match is scheduled for next Thursday (11) at 9 a.m., at the Marcelo Vieira Stadium in Xerém.

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