Comeback win: Crias da Toca beat Grêmio and reach Copa São Paulo final | OneFootball

Cruzeiro is in the final of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. In a match of high technical level and great intensity at Joaquinzão, in Taubaté, the celestial team showed resilience, maintained control of the game for most of the match, and came from behind to defeat Grêmio 3-2, securing a spot in the final of the most traditional youth tournament in Brazilian football.

With a 100% record in the competition, Cruzeiro now awaits the outcome of the other semifinalist. São Paulo and Ibrachina will take the field this Thursday (22), at 9:30 pm, at Morumbi, in a match that will decide the other finalist. The Paulista Football Federation (FPF) will still confirm the date and time of the grand final.

MATCH SUMMARY

The first half of the Copinha semifinal between Grêmio and Cruzeiro was intense, with three goals at Joaquinzão. Grêmio took the lead at 6 minutes, with Harlley, after a play down the left and an assist from João Borne. Cruzeiro reacted quickly and equalized at the 10th minute, with Cauan Baptistella, after a shot hit the post and the goal was confirmed by the referee.

Even with more possession and offensive pressure, Cruzeiro conceded another goal at the 29th minute. João Borne set up Harlley at the edge of the box, and the striker scored his second goal of the match, putting Grêmio back in front. The team from Minas Gerais pressed at the end of the half but was stopped by Grêmio's defense. The Tricolor went into halftime leading 2-1.

The second half maintained the high level of intensity and ended with a gutsy comeback by Cruzeiro. Even trailing on the scoreboard, the team from Minas Gerais came back more aggressive, took control of possession, and created numerous chances, while Grêmio struggled to reorganize.

At the 30th minute, Cruzeiro equalized with a beautiful goal by Eduardo Pape, who controlled the ball on his chest and finished from outside the box, into the corner of goalkeeper João. Cruzeiro's dominance turned into a comeback at the 37th minute, when Murilo Rhikman crossed from the left and the ball ended up in the back of the net, putting Cruzeiro ahead 3-2.

In the final minutes, Grêmio was reduced to ten men after Nathan Borges was sent off at the 47th minute for a foul in a clear goal-scoring opportunity. With numerical superiority and greater offensive volume — 22 shots to five — Cruzeiro managed the result until the final whistle and secured a 3-2 victory, guaranteeing a place in the final of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.

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