Itaquaquecetuba U23 proved too strong for Manthiqueira/SP U23 on Sunday night, securing a dominant 2-0 victory in the Paulista Série B at the Estádio Manthiqueira. The visitors controlled proceedings from start to finish, leaving the home side with plenty to ponder as the season approaches its decisive phase.

The match, played under the lights on 7 June 2026, saw Itaquaquecetuba take the initiative early and never look back. With the win, the away side continues to push for a top spot in the league standings, while Manthiqueira/SP risks falling further into the relegation zone.

First Half – Visitors Strike Early

Itaquaquecetuba started with high intensity, pressing Manthiqueira/SP high up the pitch and forcing errors in possession. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a precise cross that found striker Lucas Andrade, who headed home from close range for his sixth goal of the campaign.

The home side struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their midfield often bypassed by Itaquaquecetuba’s quick transitions. Manthiqueira/SP’s best moment of the half came on the half-hour mark, when a long-range effort from midfielder Gabriel Oliveira forced a smart save from visiting goalkeeper Thiago Santos.

Second Half – Clinical Finish Seals the Points

Manthiqueira/SP came out with renewed energy after the interval, but Itaquaquecetuba doubled their lead just seven minutes into the second half. A corner kick was cleared only as far as Wellington Rocha, who unleashed a curling shot from outside the box that nestled into the top corner – a strike that left the home goalkeeper with no chance.

Trailing 2-0, the hosts threw players forward in search of a lifeline, but Itaquaquecetuba’s well-organised defence held firm. Substitutes injected some urgency, yet the final ball often let them down. The visitors managed the game expertly, slowing down play in the final 15 minutes and hitting Manthiqueira/SP on the counter when opportunities arose.

Standout Performers

• Wellington Rocha (Itaquaquecetuba U23): Scored a stunning second goal and controlled the tempo from central midfield.
• Lucas Andrade (Itaquaquecetuba U23): The opening goal was a classic poacher’s finish; his movement troubled the home defence all night.
• Thiago Santos (Itaquaquecetuba U23): Made two vital saves to preserve the clean sheet, especially a finger-tip stop in the 78th minute.
• Gabriel Oliveira (Manthiqueira/SP U23): One of the few bright spots for the home side, showing good energy and vision in midfield.

Tactical Story

Itaquaquecetuba’s 4-2-3-1 formation gave them numerical superiority in central areas, allowing them to dominate possession and force Manthiqueira/SP into a reactive shape. The visitors’ full-backs pushed high, stretching the home defence and creating space for the wingers to cut inside. Manthiqueira/SP attempted to press high but lacked coordination, leaving gaps that Itaquaquecetuba exploited with quick passing combinations.

Defensively, Itaquaquecetuba sat deeper after taking the lead, inviting pressure but staying compact. Manthiqueira/SP’s reliance on long balls played into the hands of the visitors’ tall centre-backs, who won aerial duels comfortably.

Impact on the Paulista Série B Standings

With this victory, Itaquaquecetuba U23 climbs to fourth place in the league table, now just three points behind the leaders with six matches remaining. A promotion push is firmly on the cards. For Manthiqueira/SP, the defeat leaves them in 12th place, only two points above the relegation zone. Coach Marcos Vinícius will need to address his side’s lack of creativity in the final third if they are to avoid a drop to the third division.

The two teams will meet again in the return fixture on 29 August, but for now, Itaquaquecetuba have sent a clear message of intent to the rest of the league.