It took just four minutes in Jaguariúna for Corinthians to take the lead against América-MG, as striker Douglas air-kicked in the middle, but the Timaozinho star of the tournament, Matheuzinho, was on hand at the back-post to fire home. Corinthians dominated proceedings, with last-years Brasileirão Under-20 Champions unable to threaten the Paulista side. Indeed, with just ten minutes to go, Corinthians brought proceedings to a clear end as Matheuzinho went on a fine run and found Leandro with a deft through-ball for the striker’s fifth goal of the tournament.
For Atlético-PR it was not quite as convincing, as Palmeiras put up a strong fight despite playing the majority of the game with 10-men. The Curitiba side took the lead early on when Guilherme Almeida handled in the area and Bruno Rossetto stepped up to convert the spot-kick. Six minutes later it got worse for Palmeiras as Guilherme Almeida picked up his second-yellow card and was rightfully sent off, yet for their troubles, Palmeiras upped their game and dominated proceedings after the dismissal. The Verdão pulled an immediate goal back through their ‘craque’ Diego Souza, although the ball seemingly did not cross the line. Second-half though, Atlético’s man advantage shone as the collected an own goal and a third from Taiberson, both with the help of comedy defending. The game was soon levelled as Bruno Rossetto picked up a second-yellow and Palmeiras came back as Lucas Taylor made it 3-2 with ten minutes to play. Palmeiras pressed, but it was Atlético’s Gabriel Vieira who scored next to make it 4-2, before in the dying embers, Bruno Dybal made it 4-3 with a header from a free-kick. The game of the tournament so far.
Star Performers: Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Diego Souza (Palmeiras), Taiberson (Atl-PR)
