Flamengo's U-20 team will go to Couto Pereira to face Coritiba this Wednesday (12), at 15 pm, for the 5th round of the second phase of the Brazilian Championship in the category. Isolated leader of group F, with nine points, a victory against Coxa, second place with six points, guarantees the Garotos do Ninho in the semifinals of the competition with one round to go. A draw or even a defeat will also classify Fla, if Vasco and Fluminense draw in the group derby.

In addition to goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who is with the Brazilian national team, and full-back Michael with the senior team, midfielder and captain Hugo Moura is suspended due to a third yellow card, as is full-back Klebinho. For the midfield spot, coach Marcio Torres may opt for midfielder Henrique, who said he is focused and happy to have the opportunity to play in a decisive match.

"I've been working really hard since the beginning of the year so that when the opportunity arose, I could make the most of it. I'm very focused and happy for this opportunity."

Despite having the advantage of a draw, which could guarantee qualification for the semifinals, a stage they haven't reached since 2015, coach Macio Torres' team studied Coritiba and want to go in to win the match.

"We've been studying the opposing team a lot, we know them well, especially since we played against them at Gávea. We know we have the advantage of a draw to qualify, but Flamengo is here to win," concluded midfielder Henrique.

Flamengo's U-20 team has the second-best record in the competition, winning six of their eight matches and losing only twice. They have 18 points in total and lead Group F with nine points, three ahead of second-place Coritiba. Flamengo has scored 16 goals throughout the championship, and Vitor Gabriel is the team's top scorer with four. Mengão defeated Coritiba in the first leg at Gávea, 4-2, with goals from Vitor Gabriel and Klebinho. 

Coritiba is the current runner-up in the competition and is seeking another final in 2018. In second place, with a two-point lead over Fluminense and Vasco, they could still survive qualifying in the final round. In the second phase, the green and white team won two and lost two of their four matches.

Coritiba x Flamengo will be broadcast on Globoesporte.com from 15h. 

Tickets for the match will go on sale this Wednesday (12), the day of the match, at the Couto Pereira stadium box office, starting at 13:30 pm, with payment in cash only. Tickets cost R$20 (full price) and R$10 (half price). The Nation is welcome to support the Garotos do Ninho in their quest to qualify for the semifinals of the Brasileirão Sub-20.

The clubs are divided into two groups of four teams each. Two teams per group qualify for the semifinals and then the final. It's worth noting that from the second stage onward, the teams play home and away until the final.