Flamengo through to Copa Libertadores U20 semi-finals after draw | OneFootball

Independiente de Medellín (COL) abused violence, but Flamengo got the result they needed

Flamengo fought, took a beating, and qualified! This Friday (13th), the Most Beloved drew 0-0 with Independiente de Medellín (COL) and secured their spot in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores da América U-20. The match took place at the altitude of Quito, Ecuador, at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, for the third round of Group A.

Now, Flamengo waits for the end of the third round of the other groups to find out their opponent. After all, Mengão will face, in the semifinal, the best second-placed team among the three groups. With seven points, Bruno Pivetti’s squad finished first in Group A, after 4-1 wins over Estudiantes de Mérida (VEN) and Bolívar (BOL).

HOW WAS THE MATCH?

Flamengo started the match poorly, largely due to the physical strength of Independiente de Medellín, with taller and more muscular players. However, on a quick counterattack, the Most Beloved missed a great chance to open the score.

Ryan Roberto broke through on the left and was brought down in the box. Penalty. Immediately, the number 11 began to cry because of the harsh tackle and had to be substituted with pain in his left ankle at the 33rd minute, replaced by Gusttavo. On the penalty kick, number 10 Guilherme sent the keeper the wrong way, but the ball crashed against the post.

Independiente Medellín abused harsh fouls, and the referee failed to send off at least two players from the Colombian team. Besides Ryan Roberto, another who took a beating during the match was striker Josmar, who finished the game with a cut on his face.

Nevertheless, Flamengo suffered but held on to the result they needed. The Colombians hit the post in the 44th minute of the second half. Then, in the last play, Léo Nannetti performed a true miracle inside the box and saved Fla.

If Medellín had won, they would have taken the top spot in Group A on tiebreaker criteria, and Rubro-Negro would have had to rely on a combination of results to finish as the best second-placed team. However, that wasn’t necessary. Now, it’s time to focus on the semifinal next Thursday (19th).

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