With a strong attack, a solid defensive system, and a solid collective performance, Flamengo's U-20 team, led by Mauricio Souza, put on a show at Gávea, defeating the dangerous Boavista 4-0 (Rodrigo Muniz [3] and Denilson) in the final round of the Guanabara Cup group stage. After scoring another hat trick this season, the Flamengo center forward benefited from two beautiful crosses from Matheus França to score his 15th goal of 2019, further cementing his place as the top scorer in the category. Guaranteed a place in the Guanabara Cup quarterfinals, the "Mais Querido" will host Volta Redonda in the knockout stage on the 18th at Gávea, at a time yet to be determined by the Rio de Janeiro State FERJ (Federal Council of Rio de Janeiro).

The Boys from the Nest opened the scoring 50 seconds into the game. In a beautiful run, Pablo carried the ball from his own half to the edge of the opponent's box at great speed down the left flank and crossed perfectly for Rodrigo Muniz, the division's top scorer this season, to tap it into the back of the net for his 13th goal of 2019. In the 12th minute, Flamengo extended their lead when Matheus França crossed a sweet ball for Rodrigo Muniz to add another goal. 

Boavista created a threat in the 22nd minute. After a poor clearance from the red-and-blacks, Arthur shot, but Yago Darub made a good save. The next minute, Wendel made a great play and crossed perfectly for Rodrigo Muniz, but the defense cleared the danger at just the right moment. In the 34th minute, Pablo unleashed a long-range shot. Goalkeeper Caio Vizeu reached the ball as it was about to go in the box and made a great save, palming it away for a corner. The red-and-blacks continued to press heavily, and in the 42nd minute, Matheus França crossed and Rodrigo Muniz nearly scored the third, heading the ball against the crossbar. 

Rodrigo Muniz's hat trick came before halftime. From another exquisite cross by Matheus França in first-half stoppage time, the Flamengo center forward confidently headed into the corner, scoring his 15th goal of 2019.

The second half started with a bang. In the third minute, Matheus França burst down the right and crossed for Wendel to score, but the referee spotted a handball and disallowed the goal. In the fifth minute, in an isolated play inside the red-and-black box, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of Boavista in a play no one understood. Luiz Eduardo took the shot and sent the ball over the bar.

Completely dominant in the match, despite slowing down a bit, Flamengo nearly scored a fourth, and it would have been another one. This time, Pablo crossed. Rodrigo Muniz won another high pass and headed past the goalkeeper, but saw the ball capriciously skim off Caio Vizeu's right post and out of bounds. In the 25th minute, Wendel passed to Matheus França. He cut through the defender and fired a low shot, which Caio Vizeu saved safely.

The Garotos do Ninho's rout came in the 28th minute, with a perfect free kick from Denilson, which the goalkeeper couldn't save. The U-20s now have a full week of training to prepare for next weekend's match against Volta Redonda, in the quarterfinals of the Guanabara Cup.

Flamengo: Yago Darub, Matheus França (Sidney), Natan, Lucas Freitas, Pablo (Italo); Henrique (Gomes), Luiz Henrique, Marx Lenin (Denilson); Wendel, Vitor Ricardo (Vitinho) and Rodrigo Muniz (Rhyan). Coach: Mauricio Souza.