Goiás U-20 head coach Gabriel Carvalho spoke confidently about the upcoming challenge as his team prepares to face Ceará in the Brasileirão U-20 B final on Thursday. The match will take place at Presidente Vargas Stadium in Fortaleza and kick off at 8 p.m. Carvalho praised the strength of their rivals, noting how Ceará has impressed in physical, technical, and tactical aspects. Despite this, he emphasized the progress Goiás has shown in recent games. 'Ceará haven’t lost this season, so they deserve our full respect, but we're entering this game with confidence from our own recent results and performances. We believe it will be a balanced match, decided by small details, and one that both teams will take very seriously.'
From struggle to steady form
Goiás' road to the final has been a journey of growth and recovery. The team started the tournament with a rough patch, losing their first two matches—first to Ceará and then to Atlético Mineiro. But the side has since bounced back, remaining unbeaten in their last eight games. Their overall record includes five wins, two losses, and two draws, while they have scored 14 goals and conceded seven. This improvement has been evident in the way the team has played, with their confidence and consistency rising as the tournament has progressed.
The journey to the final included a key quarterfinal clash where Goiás overcame Atlético-GO with a 1-0 victory. In the semifinal, they managed a hard-fought 1-1 draw with CRB and eventually advanced on penalties after a thrilling 4-2 shootout. Carvalho praised the players and staff for the transformation, crediting their evolving strategies and growing unity. 'It’s a campaign of recovery and development,' he said. 'We were not at our best at the start, but as we started to implement new ideas and the players responded with more quality in their performances, we began to turn things around both in results and on the field.'
A historic finish for the club
The final marks a significant milestone for Goiás, who will also secure promotion to the U-20 Série A with this achievement—a goal the club has long pursued. Carvalho, who took charge this year, expressed pride in the success and emphasized the collective effort behind the team's progress. 'This is not my achievement alone,' he said. 'It’s the result of the players, the coaching staff, the management, and our supporters. Everyone played a part in getting us to this point, and the players especially deserve not just this promotion, but also a possible title.'
The match will be broadcast live on CBF TV's YouTube channel, giving fans the opportunity to witness a crucial showdown. With both sides in strong form and carrying their own momentum, the final promises to be a thrilling contest. Goiás' young squad, having already achieved a major breakthrough, now looks to complete their season with a historic title win.