In the quarterfinals of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, Ibrachina beat Palmeiras 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time at Arena Barueri. The Dragão da Mooca advances to the semifinals, while the Alviverde is eliminated. The match took place on Monday night, January 19.
The quarterfinal match between Palmeiras and Ibrachina in the Copinha was played at Arena Barueri, with the home team opening the score in the sixth minute of the first half. Pimenta headed firmly into the goal after a cross into the area, giving the Alviverde the lead. However, Ibrachina fought back in the second half: at the 13th minute, Pirituba, wearing number 25, equalized with a right-footed shot after the ball bounced in the area. Shortly after, Kauan turned the game around with a header.
Palmeiras did not give up and leveled the score at the 38th minute of the second half, forcing the decision to penalties. In the shootout, the score was tied until the sixth kick. On the seventh, João Paulo shot for Palmeiras, but Gabriel Sena saved it, securing a 5-4 victory for Ibrachina. The Dragão da Mooca from São Paulo now awaits the winner of the São Paulo vs Botafogo clash, scheduled for 9 p.m. on Monday at Estádio Municipal Walter Ribeiro in Sorocaba.
One semifinal is already set: Grêmio vs Cruzeiro. On Sunday, January 18, Grêmio beat Ceará 3-0, while Cruzeiro repeated the scoreline against Guanabara City, both teams advancing to the next stage.
