It was heartbreaking. In a classic match played on Monday morning (24) in Gávea, valid for the seventh round of the Guilherme Embry Tournament, the State Championship for the category, Flamengo's U-16 team came from behind to beat Vasco 2-1 (Diego and Ryan Luka), despite playing with one less player for most of the second half. The victory, crucial for the Garotos do Ninho in the competition, solidifies the Mais Querido in third place in the first half with 16 points, two behind Nova Iguaçu, in second place, but with a game in hand. By beating São Cristóvão in the postponed fifth round match, Rubro-Negro will reach second place. And they will also have the chance to be the leader, defeating Fluminense in the penultimate round. Flamengo's next match in the competition will be on Friday (29) at 10 am, when they face Olaria, on Rua Bariri. 

The first half was a fierce battle in the middle of the field, with very few scoring chances. Vasco opened the scoring in the 16th minute, with a goal from Marlon Gomes, and that was the only notable play in the entire first half of the derby.

The second half was completely different. The Boys from the Nest went all out and equalized in the fourth minute, with a shot from inside the six-yard box by captain Diego, who showed opportunism after a corner kick. The Most Beloved were pressing for a comeback when, in the 14th minute, after widespread confusion, the referee gave red cards to Leonardo and Arthur Lessa for the red-black side and Ronaldo for the Vasco side.

This completely changed the complexion of the match. In the 24th minute, the referee spotted Diego's nonexistent handball inside the box and awarded a penalty to Vasco. Julião took the shot, and the ball hit the post of Hugo Moraes, who was in possession. In the 27th minute, Flamengo had a good chance through Will, but goalkeeper Cadu made the save. 

With three players down, the derby was wide open. In the 29th minute, Marlon Santos took a shot, and Hugo Moraes made a good save. Even with ten men down, Flamengo turned the game around. In the 31st minute, Ryan Luka received the ball in attack, beat two defenders, and skillfully tapped it past the goalkeeper to score Flamengo's second goal of the match. 

The match was thrilling. In the 37th minute, Vasco threatened with a header from Pimentel that hit the crossbar. In stoppage time, Vasco was awarded a free kick almost on the edge of the box. Marlon Santos fired a well-placed shot into the top corner, but Vasco's goalkeeper Hugo Moraes flew in beautifully and made a stunning save, palming the ball away with an opposite hand, securing the important victory for the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys).

Flamengo: Hugo Moraes, Leonardo, Diego, Kaiky, Richard; Arthur Lessa, Quintino (Zalfa), Daniel Campos (Werton); Will (Jean Sales), João Pedro (Nicollas) and Ryan Luka. Coach: Ramon Lima.