Bragantino beat Juventude, rise to fifth in Brazil’s top flight

Red Bull Bragantino players

Published By: Isa Isawade

By Xinhua Agency

Attacking midfielder Helinho scored twice as 10-man Bragantino climbed to fifth in Brazil’s Serie A championship on Saturday with a 2-1 home win over Juventude.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring in the second minute at the Nabizao stadium by combining with Gustavinho and rifling a shot from a tight angle into the top-left corner.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 12th minute when midfielder Jadsom was shown a straight red card for a bad tackle on Marcelinho.

The visitors equalized just before the half-hour through Luis Mandaca, who tapped in from close range on the counterattack.

Bragantino went ahead again against the run of play as Helinho struck with a first-time effort from the right side of the six-yard box.

The result leaves Bragantino with 15 points from nine outings, two points behind leaders Flamengo, who have a game in hand. Juventude are 12th in the 20-team standings with 10 points from eight matches.

(Xinhua/NAN)