RB Bragantino U20 booked their Brasileiro U20 A semi-final spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Athletico PR U20 in Thursday's quarter-final, courtesy of a decisive second-half strike from Thalyson.
The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Thalyson found the net to give Bragantino the lead they would not relinquish. The goal arrived just moments after Athletico PR had made a double change, sending on Guilherme Back and Juliano Santini in quick succession around the hour mark in a bid to freshen up their attack — substitutions that ultimately failed to prevent the concession.
Bragantino had to see out the remainder of the contest with a numerical caution hanging over them after Jhuan picked up a yellow card in the 66th minute, though he was withdrawn for Luis Gustavo shortly after in the 74th minute as Bragantino's coaching staff opted to protect their lead defensively.
Athletico PR threw everything at their opponents in the closing stages, making four more substitutions between the 77th and 86th minutes — including Vitinho, Italo, L. Marezi and Kaue Vinicius — as they searched for an equalizer, but Bragantino's defense held firm.
The result sends RB Bragantino U20 through to the semi-finals, while Athletico PR U20 exit the competition despite their late offensive push.