Date: May 23, 2026 | Competition: Brazilian Youth Championship (Carioca U20)

Match Summary: Santa Cruz RJ U20 1–3 S. Cruz/Belford Roxo U20

In a thrilling encounter at the CT Santa Cruz, the visiting side from Belford Roxo U20 came from behind to secure a convincing 3-1 victory over Santa Cruz RJ U20. The result sees Belford Roxo move into the playoff spots, while Santa Cruz remain in the lower half of the table in the Brazilian Youth Championship.

First Half – Santa Cruz Start Brightly

The home side made a perfect start, taking the lead in just the 8th minute. Winger Lucas Mendes received a through ball from midfield, skipped past a defender, and slotted calmly into the far corner. Santa Cruz continued to press, and could have doubled their lead but for a fine save from Belford Roxo goalkeeper Felipe Alves. As the half wore on, Belford Roxo grew into the game, and they equalised in the 38th minute when João Pedro latched onto a loose ball inside the box and smashed it into the roof of the net.

Second Half – Belford Roxo Take Control

The visitors came out with renewed purpose after the interval. In the 54th minute, a swift counter-attack caught Santa Cruz off guard, with Vinícius Souza finishing from an acute angle to put Belford Roxo ahead. Santa Cruz pushed for an equaliser but left gaps at the back. The killer blow came in the 78th minute when substitute Gabriel Oliveira headed in from a corner, making it 3-1. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Belford Roxo defended resolutely to secure all three points.

Key Moments

• 8' – Goal Lucas Mendes (Santa Cruz) – Clinical finish after a quick break.
• 38' – Goal João Pedro (Belford Roxo) – Equaliser from close range.
• 54' – Goal Vinícius Souza (Belford Roxo) – Composed finish on the counter.
• 78' – Goal Gabriel Oliveira (Belford Roxo) – Decisive header from a corner.

Player Ratings

João Pedro (Belford Roxo U20) – 8/10: Scored the crucial equaliser and was a constant menace in the final third. His movement off the ball caused problems all game.
Lucas Mendes (Santa Cruz RJ U20) – 7/10: Took his goal well but faded as the game progressed.

Table Impact

Belford Roxo U20 climb to fifth place in the group, now just three points off the top four with three matches remaining. Santa Cruz RJ U20, on the other hand, drop to ninth and face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages. This result could prove pivotal in the race for the playoffs.