Barcelona target Vitor Roque, spectacular again

Vitor Roque is flying at Ath. Paranaense, who have five consecutive victories in all competitions. Last night, the No 9 that Barcelona has on its agenda for this summer market put in a great performance in the epic comeback of the 'Furacao' against Botafogo in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil: they went from 0-2 at half-time to 3-2 up at the end.

The Barcelona target scored with his left foot from a corner to start the home side's comeback and then set up Vitor Bueno to make it 2-2. The winning goal was scored by former City man Fernandinho. At 18 years of age, 'Tigrinho' is not only a first-choice starter but also the most decisive striker in his team. "He is the best striker currently available in Brazil", according to his coach Paulo Turra, who is delighted with his development.

This was the eighth comeback for the 'Furacao' in 2023. There is no denying that the Curitiba outfit is one of the most in-form sides in Brazilian football. They have won three league games in a row (against Flamengo, Internacional in Porto Alegre and the derby against Coritiba) and are fifth, just three points behind leaders Botafogo. In the Libertadores, after their 2-1 win over Libertad in Asunción, they are top of their group. And now they have hit the ground running in the Copa do Brasil when they had a game, and consequently a play-off place, that was slipping away from them.

Ath. Parnanaense's growth would not be explained without the contribution of their '9', who has 8 goals and 3 assists in 17 games. If you count the South American U-20 Championship and his debut with the main Seleçao, he has 27 games with 14 goals and 5 assists so far this year.