Santos will play in a semifinal of Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior for the first time since 2014. This Tuesday (18), Peixe defeated Mirassol on penalties, 3-1, after a 2-2 draw in normal time, in Arena da Fonte Luminosa, in Araraquara (SP), for the quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Diogenes, with two saves, was the hero of the classification.
The opponent in the fight for a place in the decision will be América-MG, at 8 pm (Brasilia time) on Friday (20), at the Anacleto Campanella stadium, in São Caetano do Sul (SP). Earlier, Coelho scored 1-0 over Botafogo at the Zezinho Magalhães stadium, in Jaú (SP).
The last time they reached the semifinals, Alvinegro took the Copinha title. Goalkeeper João Paulo, currently the starter of the professional team, was part of the team that beat Corinthians 2-1 in the decision, held at Pacaembu, in São Paulo. Under construction, the stadium will not be able to be used in this year’s final.
Despite the offensive momentum presented by the teams during the competition, the first half was lukewarm, with Mirassol’s slight superiority, until the 38th minute, when Santos opened the scoring. Full-back Lucas Pires received from midfielder Ed Carlos on the left and crossed for forward Rwan Seco to head the net. At 41, the interior team complained about a penalty from midfielder Jhonnathan on side Frank. Referee Paulo César Francisco understood that the bid was outside the area.
Right at the beginning of the final stage, Peixe seemed to be heading towards victory. At six minutes, defender Jair released Ed Carlos, who fixed his back for forward Lucas Barbosa to find Rwan Seco in the area. The number 10 took off the marking and scored his second goal in the match and the sixth in Copinha, being one to striker Figueiredo, from Vasco, who leads the artillery.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. Frog!#MIRxSAN | 0x2 pic.twitter.com/gSxW0MtSpA
— Santos Futebol Clube (@SantosFC) January 19, 2022
Mirassol didn’t feel the blow and looked for a draw. In the 29th minute, after a free kick by forward Wesley from the left, from the middle, midfielder Gabriel Tota, with a header, scored the first for Leão. Santos retreated and the interior team took over the offensive actions. At 43, Wesley took a corner from the right and defender Pedro Rinaldi, also with a header, equalized the score. Despite the stoppages, the referee gave only two minutes of extra time and ended the game before the 47th minute.
Final game in Araraquara: Mirassol 2×2 Santos. The decision of the spot will be on penalties. Up, #Boys from the village! #MIRxSAN pic.twitter.com/paiwJvFZbd
— Santos Futebol Clube (@SantosFC) January 19, 2022
Mirassol’s reaction, however, did not go further. On penalties, Diógenes saved Gabriel Tota and full-back Moreira. On the third Santos beat, Jhonnathan kicked out. Wesley had a chance to lessen the Lion’s damage, but he missed the dug and went over the top. Then Lucas Barbosa moved the goalkeeper Vinícius and decided the alvinegra victory on penalties by 3 to 1.
The other semifinal match will be set this Wednesday (19). At 7pm, Palmeiras faces Oeste at Arena Barueri. Then, at 9:30 pm, São Paulo catches Cruzeiro at Anacleto Campanella.
