Ancelotti defends Vini Jr, former Flamengo after questions about absence

This Saturday (23), in front of more than 45 thousand fans at Maracanã, Flamengo repeated last year's feat and lifted the U-20 World Cup trophy for the second consecutive time. The victory against Barcelona, achieved on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time, had as its hero goalkeeper Léo Nannetti, just 18 years old.

The match was marked by twists and turns. Flamengo opened the scoring, but suffered a comeback from the Spanish side. In stoppage time, they tied the match in a dramatic move, sending the match to penalties. It was at this point that Nannetti shone, saving two decisive penalties that secured the victory.

GOALKEEPER GUARANTEES TITLE

During regulation time, Nannetti had already distinguished himself with key saves that prevented Barcelona from extending their lead . In the penalty shootout, he showed composure and reflexes, saving two shots, sealing the 6-5 victory for the red-and-blacks.

With solid performances, the goalkeeper confirms his status as a promising young player. He will have played 17 official matches in 2025 and has established himself as one of the most promising players of the 2007 generation.

LÉO NANNETTI RENEWS WITH MILLION DOLLAR FINE

Having come through the club's youth ranks since the under-9s, Nannetti recently renewed his contract until the end of 2029. The new contract includes a release clause of around 70 million euros (approximately R$445 million), an amount considered "European level" by the board.

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.