OPEN YOUR EYES, FLAMENGO! REAL MADRID WILL SEND SCOUTS TO OBSERVE LORRAN, JEWEL OF THE CLUB

Flamengo won the U-20 Intercontinental Championship title this Saturday, defeating Barcelona on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The final, held at the Maracanã Stadium, featured dramatic moments , comebacks, and individual brilliance from the young players.

The Brazilian team took the lead in the first half, but suffered a comeback in the final stage before equalizing in stoppage time and taking the decision to penalties. In the shootout, the Rubro-Negro won 6-5, securing another trophy for their gallery.

LORRAN OPENS THE SCORE

Flamengo started the game pressing their opponents and opened the scoring in the 10th minute with Lorran, who capitalized on a loose ball in the box after a Barcelona clearance error. The Brazilian team maintained control for much of the first half , creating chances through Joshua and Pablo Lúcio, but were unable to extend their lead.

In the second half, Barcelona came back more aggressive and equalized in the 25th minute with a stunning goal from Virgili, who dribbled past the defense and finished with style. Shortly thereafter, in the 49th minute, Cortés turned the game around for the Spanish side. Just when everything seemed to be pointing to Barça's victory, Iago rose highest after a through ball and headed home the equalizer in the 51st minute, sending the match to penalties.

PENALTIES DECIDE THE TITLE

In the penalty shootout, the match remained evenly matched until the final kicks. Flamengo goalkeeper Léo Nannetti saved shots from Juan Hernández and Parriego , securing the advantage for the Brazilian team. For Mengão, Carbone converted the decisive penalty, making the score 6-5 and sealing the victory.

The series was exciting from start to finish: Lorran, Felipe Teresa, Pablo Lúcio, Iago and João Victor scored for Flamengo , while Nomoko, Kluivert, Cortés, Oduro and Virgili converted for Barcelona , while Parriego lost to the Spanish team.

Vitória is preparing for a challenging clash in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The Bahian team faces Flamengo this Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Despite the two teams' different moments in the table, striker Osvaldo showed confidence in seeking a good result in Rio de Janeiro.

"We're going to Maracanã and trying to play a great game. We haven't lost at Maracanã in a few games, so I think we can build on that to put in a great performance. Flamengo is a tough opponent; they're the best team in our football world , and they've been achieving great results," the striker declared, before adding:

"But on the field, it's 11 against 11, especially against Vitória, who have a history of playing great games and surprising in several matches. I think we have what it takes to get there and get a great result . We know how difficult the game will be," Osvaldo concluded.

FLAMENGO IS THE LEADER OF THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Flamengo takes the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão , with 43 points. Filipe Luís's team is enjoying an excellent run of form , having gone six games unbeaten in the competition.

In addition to a solid run in the national championship, the Rio de Janeiro team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores last week by eliminating Internacional. Prior to that, they had already beaten the same opponent 3-1 at Beira-Rio, cementing their good run.

Flamengo's upcoming match against Vitória raises alarm bells for Filipe Luís. Three players on the squad are suspended and risk suspension for the next match against Grêmio if they receive another yellow card this round.

Among those suspended, two are regular starters in defense: Léo Pereira and Léo Ortiz. Both have two yellow cards and, if cautioned again, will be out for the remainder of the competition.

DEFENSE UNDER ATTENTION

The red-and-black coach may have a difficult time building a defense. Danilo, recently recovered, emerges as an immediate alternative if one of the starting center-backs is penalized . However, if both receive cards against Vitória, Filipe Luís may resort to a player from the youth academy to form the defense alongside Danilo.

In addition to the defense, defensive midfielder Allan is also suspended, but the situation is less of a concern for the coaching staff . With Erick Pulgar injured, Allan had been gaining minutes, but lost his place after the emergence of Saúl, who is expected to continue as a starter alongside Jorginho. Even if Allan receives his third yellow card, the Jorginho-Saúl duo is likely to be kept for the match against Grêmio.

FLAMENGO DEFENDS LEADERSHIP

Flamengo, the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship with 43 points, is enjoying a positive run. The team is six games unbeaten in Série A and secured its place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores last week by eliminating Internacional. Prior to that, they defeated the same opponent 3-1 at Beira-Rio Stadium, reinforcing their positive momentum under Filipe Luís.