In a classic played on Saturday morning (16) in Gávea, Flamengo's U-12 team, led by coach Marcio Barboza, beat Vasco 3x2 (Douglas, Joshua and David) with a great performance in the first half, when they opened 3x0 on the scoreboard, and were crowned champions of the Metropolitan Championship, the State Championship of the category.

The final was a single-game affair, and the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) had the right to play at home due to their better record throughout the competition. But they didn't have any advantage. A draw in regulation time would have sent the decision to a penalty shootout.

Knowing this and not wanting to take any risks, Mengão took the field determined to win the match in the opening minutes. And the strategy paid off. Proving once again what a great team Flamengo can be at home, with a strong collective performance combined with a solid defense, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) scored in the first half through Douglas, Joshua, and top scorer David. In the second half, Vasco came out desperately close to the lead, but not enough to prevent the red-and-blacks from winning the title. 

It was Flamengo's 20th youth title in the 2019 season, approaching the 21 titles won in 2018, the most successful year in Flamengo's youth history to date. Let's go, Ninho Boys!