Sport Club do Recife started the Copinha on the right foot by beating Linense 2-1 and securing the first three points in the country’s main youth competition. The goals for Leões da Base were scored by Rafael de Jesus and Matheus Lacort.
The game
Sport started the match with Davi (2005); Berrío (2007), Bruce (2006), Léo Fazzio (2008) and Samuel Sousa (2007); Rafael Jesus (2007), Samuel Pires (2007) and Fernandinho (2006) [C]; João Henrique (2009), Matheus Lacort (2007) and Álvaro Neto (2007), under the command of coach Ítalo Santiago.
From the opening minutes, Sport showed an offensive posture, taking the initiative of the game, pressing the opponent’s ball and seeking to attack. The red-black dominance was rewarded in the first half. From a precise corner kick by Samuel Pires, Rafael de Jesus rose higher than the defense and headed firmly into the back of the net, opening the score and taking the lead into the break.
During the second half, Leão maintained control of the match, with greater possession of the ball and a constant presence in the offensive field. Linense equalized, but the goal did not shake the red and black team, who continued to press and create opportunities.
The insistence was rewarded in the 39th minute of the final stage. After a fight inside the area, Matheus Lacort appeared well positioned and finished strongly, finding the net and guaranteeing Sport’s victory in the Copinha debut.
“I’m very happy for the victory in the debut, especially for the athletes’ attitude. The group competed from start to finish, had personality, maintained organization and knew how to react even after a draw. It’s an important achievement to give confidence, but we know that the Copinha requires focus game by game. We’ll keep working to evolve even further”, said Ítalo Santiago, the team’s coach.
Next game
Leão returns to the field next Monday (5), when they face Forte-ES, at 8:45 pm, again in Bálsamo-SP, in the second round of Group 4 of the Copinha.
