Fluminense strikes first but Betancurt brace leads a comeback for Barcelona SC

Barcelona of Guayaquil is the new leader of the 2018 Florida Cup. The Ecuadorian team faced Fluminense on Monday afternoon at Spectrum Stadium, winning 3-1 to overtake Rangers (SCO) in goals scored. Now, the title hopes depend on Saturday’s result as Atletico Nacional (COL) faces Legia Warsaw (POL) in the last match close out the competition.

The supporters of Barcelona and Fluminense were on hand to provide a wonderful environment in the stands. Fluminense came out ahead in the 22nd minute of the first half, with a goal by Marcos Junior. The Carioca team held on to the lead into the half. However, Barcelona came out the locker rooms inspired for the second half, and striker Jonathan Betancurt tied the game in the 57th minute, then completed the brace with a second goal eight minutes later.

The Brazilians chased after the counter attack on a number of occasions but failed to capitalize on scoring chances by Jadson and Pablo Dyego. Barcelona’s Erick Castillo scored the third and final goal for Barcelona to seal the victory at 3-1.

With the result, the Guayaquil team took the lead of the Florida Cup, with six points earned in two games. The team beat Legia (POL) 3-2 in their first match, and has the same three goal differential as Rangers but leads the Scottish team in the tiebreaker - scoring six goals while Rangers scored five goals. Fluminense ended their participation in the tournament with just one point, earned after a tie in regulation time against PSV Eindhoven (HOL).

To win the title of the 2018 Florida Cup, Barcelona’s fate now rests on the outcome of Atlético Nacional and Legia, who will play next Saturday, January 20 at Al Lang Stadium. The Colombian side beat Atletico Mineiro 2-0 in their first match, and can take the Florida Cup if they accumulate a goal differential greater than three goals, or tie on goal differential and exceed the six goals scored by Ecuadorians.

Venue: Spectrum Stadium, na UCF (Universidade da Flórida Central), em Orlando (EUA)

Date: Jan. 15, 2018

Referee: Andrew Musashe

Assistant 1: Francesco Terranova

Assistant 2: Alexander Derostaing

Goals: Marcos Junior 22’ (1-0); Betancourt 57' (1-1); Betancourt 65’ (1-2); Erick Castillo 90’ (1-3)

Yellow Cards: Ibañez, Jadson, Henrique Dourado, Gum (FLU); Minda, Banguera (BAR)

Red Cards: -

FLUMINENSE: Marcos Felipe; Gilberto (Diogo), Gum, Renato Chaves e Marlon; Ibañez, Mateus Norton (Pablo Dyego) e Jadson; Sornoza, Marcos Junior e Henrique Dourado. Coach: Abel Braga

BARCELONA SC: Máximo Banguera; Byron Castillo, Xavier Arreaga, Felix Torres e Beder Caicedo; Oswaldo Minda (Steven Zamora), Victor Ayala; Erick Castillo, Washington Vera e Jonathan Betancurt (Damian Díaz); Juan Dinenno. Coach: Guillermo Almada