Flamengo beat Barcelona on penalties to win second U20 Intercontinental | OneFootball

The Flamengo is the two-time champion of the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup. This Saturday, the Rubro-Negro defeated Barcelona on penalties by 6 to 5, after a 2 to 2 draw in regular time. The match was held at Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro.

The Rubro-Negro team opened the scoring in the first half with Lorran. Barcelona turned the game around in the second half with goals from Virgili and Cortes. At the end of the match, Flamengo equalized with Iago.

The Game

First Half

The match started balanced, with both teams focused on the attack. However, in the first quality chance, Flamengo opened the scoring. Lorran got the ball after a scramble in the area and sent it into the net.

Barcelona was forced to advance more intensely after the setback. However, the Spaniards hardly troubled the Rubro-Negro defense. Flamengo almost extended their lead at 29 minutes. Joshua was launched into the area and forced a good save from goalkeeper Aller.

The visitors only created a good chance to equalize at 44 minutes. Virgili made a good play and shot against the post. This move encouraged Barcelona, who pressed, but Flamengo maintained the lead until the break.

Second Half

In the second half, Barcelona returned with an offensive stance and continued to pressure Flamengo. The Spaniards threatened at five minutes with a shot from Virgili over the goal. Then, Cortes took advantage of a corner but headed wide.

Gradually, Flamengo broke free from the pressure and began to advance. The Rubro-Negro almost extended their lead at 12 minutes. Shola passed to Joshua in the area, and the forward shot for a great save by Aller. Then, Shola forced the Barcelona goalkeeper into another good save.

From there, the match opened up, with both teams focused on the attack. Barcelona was more efficient and equalized at 25 minutes. Virgili was launched, passed two defenders, and sent it into the net.

The setback was felt by the Rubro-Negro, who saw Barcelona regain control of the game. The Spaniards almost turned it around at 38 minutes. Kluivert received a pass in the area and finished for a great save by Léo Nannetti.

In the final minutes, the Europeans continued to attack. First, Virgili shot from a tight angle, and the ball almost slipped under Léo Nannetti. Then, Kluivert was stopped by the Rubro-Negro goalkeeper. In injury time, Virgili made a great play and finished for a good save by the Carioca goalkeeper.

After much insistence, Barcelona turned the game around at 49 minutes. After a corner kick, Cortes headed with no chance for Léo Nannetti. When it seemed the title was decided, Flamengo equalized at 51. Iago took advantage of a cross and headed over goalkeeper Aller. Thus, the final went to penalties.

Penalty Shootout

In the penalties, Flamengo came out on top, winning 6 to 5. Despite Matheus Gonçalves missing, João Victor, Iago, Pablo Lúcio, Felipe Teresa, Lorran, and Carbone converted their shots. For Barcelona, Virgili, Oduro, Cortés, Kluivert, and Touré scored, but Hernández and Vega were stopped by goalkeeper Léo Nannetti, who saved both.

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