Juventude Overcomes Flamengo's Argentine Wall and Breaks Leader's Winning Streak

 Juventude Overcomes Flamengo's Argentine Wall and Breaks Leader's Winning Streak

In a thrilling end to the game, Juventude came from behind to defeat Flamengo 2-1 on Wednesday night at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium in Caxias do Sul. The match was part of the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship. Despite Rossi's miraculous saves, Flamengo's nine-match unbeaten streak came to an end.

The result continues a nearly 27-year unbeaten home streak for Juventude against Flamengo, with 12 matches, six victories, and six draws during this period.

This defeat might cost Flamengo their top position in the league, pending Palmeiras' result. Juventude rises to tenth place with 16 points. The goalkeepers, Mateus Claus and Rossi, were standout performers, denying numerous scoring opportunities.

Pedro scored his 23rd goal in 31 matches this season, putting Flamengo ahead and tying with Everaldo and Willian Oliveira for the top scorer in the Brasileirão, with five goals each. Lucas Barbosa equalized for Juventude, and Luis Mandaca secured the comeback victory.

Both teams will play again on Sunday. Juventude faces Fortaleza away at 4 PM (Brasília time), while Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro at the Maracanã at 6:30 PM (Brasília time).

Tite, the coach, returned to manage a game in his hometown for the first time in 15 years. His last match there was in 2009 with Internacional. Juventude is Tite's childhood team.

 Key Moments and Performances

Despite Flamengo's initial lead, Juventude reacted quickly, utilizing rapid passes to counterattack. They capitalized on a set-piece to level the score. Flamengo's fragile defense struggled to maintain organization, leading to a costly foul by Léo Pereira that resulted in the equalizer. Roger Machado's team created several significant chances, but the score remained tied.

Flamengo faced considerable challenges asserting themselves. Victor Hugo, chosen by Tite in Bruno Henrique's absence, underperformed, and Lorran was substituted at halftime after a lackluster first half. The defense, particularly on the left side, was vulnerable, allowing Juventude to create better opportunities.

The game remained open, with any mistake potentially decisive. Rossi continued to excel, denying Juventude, who appeared more dangerous and physically dominant. Flamengo relied on individual brilliance to take risks but found themselves outplayed by a superior opponent. Roger Machado's substitutions proved effective, leading to Juventude's victory in the final moments.

 

Important Moments

- **Attempt at Goal:** At five minutes into the first half, Jadson found João Lucas, who passed to Taliari. The striker controlled the ball and shot from the left, but it went wide.

- **Close Call:** At 15 minutes, Pedro passed to Ayrton Lucas, who attempted a first-time shot. The ball deflected off Danilo Boza and went out.

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Juventude's quick reaction and effective set-pieces turned the tide against Flamengo. With a fragile defense and difficulties in asserting their game, Flamengo fell to a well-prepared Juventude team, ending their unbeaten run.