The story of Flamengo's fourth consecutive victory in the São Paulo Junior Football Cup
Relive the red-black titles of 1990, 2011, 2016 and 2018
By Mariana Sa - inThe São Paulo Junior Football Cup is about to begin. Now in its 50th edition, the country's premier youth competition will kick off on December 3rd for Flamengo, seeking its fifth title. The reigning champion, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved club), has a strong record in finals. Having reached the final in 1990, 2011, 2016, and 2018, the "Rubro-Negro" has never lost, winning all four trophies.
Below, we'll take a look back at Mengão's achievements and the players who won championships for Flamengo's youth team.
1990 - The first
The first title came in 1990. With a squad full of future stars and aces from Gávea, Flamengo won the cup with Adriano, Junior Baiano, Piá, Marquinhos, Fabinho, Marcelinho, Luís Antônio, Djalminha, Paulo Nunes, and Nélio. Two years later, they would lift the Brazilian Championship trophy at the Maracanã.
The 1990 campaign was nearly perfect. There were 11 games, seven wins, three draws, and only one loss. Among the great matches played that year, one stood out: with a show by Djalminha, who scored five goals at Pacaembu Stadium, the "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) defeated Corinthians 7-1.
In the final, Flamengo hosted Juventus at Pacaembu Stadium and fought hard. With a stunning goal from Junior Baiano, Flamengo won 1-0 and brought the Copinha trophy to Gávea for the first time in its history.
2011 - The cup returns to Gávea
The generation led by goalkeeper César was the grand champion of the 2011 Copinha. Twenty-one years after their first title, Flamengo brought the trophy back to Gávea with a team featuring Negueba, Frauches, Rafinha, Lucas, and Adryan. In this edition of the tournament, 92 teams were divided into 23 groups, and Flamengo was placed in Group K, along with Mogi Mirim, São José, and Gurupi.
In the first phase, a 0-0 draw with Mogi, a 7-1 thrashing of Gurupi, and another victory, this time 3-0 against São José 0-3, allowed the Mais Querido to advance. A dramatic classification, with a 2-2 draw and penalties (5-3), allowed Fla to reach the round of 1, where they eliminated São Paulo with a 0-XNUMX victory.
In the quarterfinals, a massive 6-2 victory over Coritiba boosted confidence and brought the title's chances closer. The semifinals were still tough, and Desportivo Brasil struggled with a 0-0 draw, but César scored the winner and secured their spot with a 3-0 penalty shootout.
In the final, Pacaembu Stadium was painted red and black to watch Mengo face Bahia. Seven minutes into the first half, captain Frauches opened the scoring, delighting the home crowd. In the 30th minute, Bahia equalized with a penalty kick. However, Negueba converted a penalty in the second half, scoring the goal, and bringing the trophy back to Rio de Janeiro.
2016 - In the emotion
Three finals, three titles. In 2016, Flamengo braved the intense heat and a packed Pacaembu Stadium to defeat Corinthians on penalties and take the São Paulo Junior Football Cup title. A victory embodied the grit and determination traditional of the youth teams that wear the Sacred Mantle.
With 112 teams in 28 groups, Flamengo began its campaign by facing Red Bull Brasil, Palmeira, and União Mogi, winning all three matches 2-1, 5-1, and 3-1, respectively. Facing Brasília in the next round, the 3-0 victory secured a spot in the third stage of the tournament, which featured Red Bull Brasil as its opponent and another positive result, this time 1-0.
In a repeat of the 2011 final, Mais Querido and Bahia faced each other in the round of 2, and the match was tough. After a 2-5 draw in regulation time, Flamengo went to penalties and advanced with a 4-2 victory. They then achieved strong results against São Paulo and Atlético Mineiro, winning 0-2 and 1-XNUMX.
The grand final had arrived. However, Flamengo soon realized it wouldn't be easy. Corinthians took a 2-0 lead in the first half and pressed hard. In the second half, however, it was all Flamengo. Trindade pulled one back in the 3rd minute, and 20 minutes later, Matheus Sávio equalized and silenced Pacaembu. Another penalty shootout, renewed tension. With two saves from Thiago and the final penalty taken by Patrick Valverde, the Rubro-Negro won their third championship and wrote their name in history once again.
2018 - In the fight
The script seemed to have been written to test every Flamengo fan's faith in those youngsters. It all began in Group 21. In the debut, a rout to start off on the right foot. Against Ji-Paraná, Lucas Silva scored twice, and Flamengo emerged victorious 6-0. The second match, however, was more difficult. Against Aimoré, the game was tough, and Luiz Henrique's goal couldn't prevent a 1-1 draw. Concluding the group stage and fighting for first place, Flamengo hosted host Oeste and left no room for bad luck. Lucas Silva and Pepê scored the goals that secured the three points for the Mais Querido: 2-0.
In the second stage of the Copinha, Elosport fell by the wayside after being thrashed 5-0 by an inspired Flamengo. With grit and determination, the "Mais Querido" advanced to the round of 1 at Arena Barueri. With a fierce fight, Bernardo scored after a cross into the box, securing a 0-1 victory against Coritiba and securing a spot. Audax then fell by the wayside. Bill's solo effort was decisive in the red-and-black team's fifth victory in the competition, securing a 0-XNUMX victory and a spot in the quarterfinals.
With paint spraying from Vitor Gabriel's feet, Mengo defeated Avaí 1-0 and eliminated another step. The dramatic flourishes were also saved for the semifinals. Switching stadiums, Flamengo traveled to Canindé to face Portuguesa. Trailing for the first time in the competition, Flamengo turned the match around with goals from Vitor Gabriel and Luiz Henrique, as well as a third goal, again scored by Vitor. Lusa, however, still scored the second, but couldn't get past Mengo's strong defense. 3-2 and a place in the final.
Experiencing a Copinha of overcoming difficulties, the Mais Querido hosted the strong São Paulo in the final at Pacaembu and fought from start to finish. With a lightning goal from Wendel early in the match, the Mais Querido knew how to defend, with a fantastic performance from goalkeeper Yago Darub, winning 1-0 and taking the trophy.