Introduction – Youth x Fortaleza
Fortaleza achieved an essential victory over Juventude by 2 to 1, in a comeback, this Sunday (5), in the 27th round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship. The game took place at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, and was marked by emotion, a comeback and a performance of pure dedication from the Ceará team.
Juventude started better, controlling the first half and taking the lead through Rafael Bilu, but Fortaleza showed strength in the second half. Mancuso scored a stunning goal to equalize, and Bareiro, coming off the bench, secured the comeback with style. The result lifted the Lion from second to last place and rekindled hopes of escaping the Z-4.
The victory was symbolic. Beyond the three points, it demonstrated a team that still believes in its potential, with collective spirit and a strong ability to react—two elements that had been lacking in recent rounds.
Juventude x Fortaleza Pre-match: pressure, atmosphere and expectations
Before the ball rolled, the atmosphere was one of intense pressure. Juventude was on a losing streak and needed a win to escape the relegation zone. The fans packed the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, creating a decisive atmosphere. Fortaleza, meanwhile, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul with the burden of four winless games and the need to earn points away from home.
Juventude’s coach maintained the same structure with Gilberto, Rafael Bilu, and Mandaca up front, seeking intensity. Fortaleza, on the other hand, opted for a more cautious formation, reinforcing the midfield and leaving Bareiro as an option for the second half.
The two teams had similar goals, but different approaches: Juventude wanted to impose itself from the start; Fortaleza wanted to balance the game and seek quick transitions.
The game: Gaucho dominates at the beginning and Ceará reacts at the end
First half – Youth dominant, but inefficient
Juventude started pressing, and after just five minutes, Rafael Bilu opened the scoring after a defensive error. The team from Rio Grande do Sul maintained control of possession and created chances to extend their lead, but failed to finish.
Fortaleza goalkeeper Brenno was decisive in saving a penalty kick from Gilberto, preventing a second goal. The Ceará defense remained vulnerable but showed resilience. The first half ended with Juventude in the lead and Fortaleza trying to reorganize the midfield.
Despite the advantage, Juventude showed signs of fatigue and anxiety. The team retreated at times, leaving spaces that Fortaleza began to exploit.
Second half – Fortaleza is reborn
In the second half, Fortaleza came back with a completely different approach. The coach made attacking substitutions and gave Mancuso free rein, who became the protagonist. In the 27th minute, he made a brilliant individual play, dribbling past two defenders, and finishing with precision, tying the score.
The goal completely changed the dynamic. Juventude lost their composure, and Fortaleza grew in confidence. Yago Pikachu came on well, providing depth on the right and creating the winning move. In the 40th minute, Bareiro appeared at the perfect moment, received the ball inside the box, and turned the score around.
In the final minutes, Fortaleza closed in well, controlled the game, and held on to the lead. Juventude still had a chance with Mandaca, but the midfielder was sent off for a hard foul, ending any fightback.
Statistics – Youth vs Fortaleza
| Statistic | Youth | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Total completions | 15 | 11 |
| Correct finishes | 6 | 5 |
| Ball possession | 54% | 46% |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 15 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red cards | 1 | 0 |
| Pass accuracy | 84% | 82% |
| Goals by time | 1st half – 1 | 2nd half – 2 |
The table shows the balance of the match. Juventude had more possession and volume, but Fortaleza was lethal. The difference lay in their efficiency in finishing and their ability to react after halftime.
Tactical analysis
Fortaleza started with a more compact 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing repositioning and transitions. In the second half, with the introduction of Bareiro and Pikachu, the team gained speed and depth. The attacking movement was well-coordinated, and the midfield dominated the spaces.
Juventude, on the other hand, displayed good tactical performance in the first half but failed to maintain their intensity. After conceding the equalizer, the team lost its organization and made rash decisions. Mandaca’s sending-off symbolized the team’s disarray at the end.
Tactically, Fortaleza showed maturity: they knew how to suffer, corrected mistakes and took advantage of the emotional moment of the comeback.
Match Highlights
- Mancuso: scorer of a stunning goal and Fortaleza’s key player in the comeback. He led the comeback with attitude and technique.
- Bareiro: Came on in the second half and decided the game. His composure on the winning goal was worthy of a top scorer.
- Brenno: Fortaleza’s goalkeeper saved a penalty and made other important saves, keeping the team in the game.
- Rafael Bilu: Juventude’s standout, he scored the goal and was the most dangerous player in the Gaucho attack.
These names defined the game’s script: youth with impetus, Fortaleza with efficiency.
Repercussion and impact on the table
With the victory, Fortaleza moved up to 18th place, now with 24 points, and moved up from second-to-last. Juventude, meanwhile, remained stuck at 23 points, dropping to 19th.
The result also boosted the morale of the Ceará team, which had been going through a turbulent period. Fans celebrated wildly on social media, celebrating the team’s “rebirth.” For Juventude, the defeat increases the pressure in the final rounds, with the risk of relegation increasingly real.
The battle at the bottom of the table remains intense, with teams separated by just two points. The next round promises to be decisive.
Conclusion – Youth vs Fortaleza
The Juventude vs. Fortaleza match was one of the most intense of the round. The Lions showed grit, strategy, and personality to pull off a heroic comeback on the road. Juventude, however, despite dominating for much of the match, saw their mistakes cost them dearly.
The result breathes new life into Fortaleza, which is once again dreaming of remaining in the top flight. For Juventude, it’s time to reevaluate the squad and react quickly—every point will be vital in the upcoming rounds.
FAQs – Youth x Fortaleza
Who scored the match’s goals?
Rafael Bilu opened the scoring for Juventude; Mancuso and Bareiro turned the score around for Fortaleza.
What was the final score?
Juventude 1 x 2 Fortaleza.
Was there a penalty?
Yes. Gilberto took the penalty for Juventude, but Brenno made a great save.
What was the highlight of the match?
Mancuso, who scored a stunning goal and led Ceará’s comeback.
Who was sent off?
Mandaca, from Juventude, in the final minutes.
What was the standings like after the game?
Fortaleza moved up to 18th place with 24 points; Juventude dropped to 19th with 23.
What to expect from the upcoming rounds?
Fortaleza will face Vasco at Castelão Stadium in a direct battle for survival. Juventude will face Corinthians away, needing to react immediately.
