Flamengo's U-17 team remains firmly in contention for another international title this year. Earlier this season, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) won the Adidas Generation Cup, an international competition held in Dallas, undefeated. This glorious scenario could be repeated, this time in China. On Saturday morning (25), coach Phelipe Leal's team came from behind to defeat Palmeiras 4-2, securing a spot in the final of the Evergrande Cup U-17 International Football Championship. Lucas Freitas, Gomes, Rhyan, and Lázaro scored the goals in the Flamengo triumph. The "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) will face Villarreal again, their opening opponent, in the grand final of the international tournament this Tuesday (28), at 8:30 am Brasília time.

The red-black team remains undefeated in the competition and with campaign as a title favorite. So far, they've drawn twice against Villarreal and Peñarol; and a 7-1 thrashing of Hubei (CHN), which qualified the team for the semifinals.

Playing on one of the 50 pitches spread across Evergrande Football School, the world's largest football school, in the city of Qingyuan, the Rubro-Negro suffered a scare in the opening seconds of the match. After a move down the right, Bruno Tavitto was inside the box to open the scoring for Palmeiras. 

The Mais Querido (Flamengo's Favorite) wasn't intimidated by the early goal. In the second minute, Flamengo went on the attack, and after a cross from the right, Lucas Freitas slotted it home to tie the match. The goal boosted the spirits of the Ninho Boys, who went all out. In the ninth minute, Luis Gustavo burst from midfield, burst into the box, and while feinting the goalkeeper, was brought down. The referee signaled a penalty. Gomes stepped up to take the penalty and turned the score around for Flamengo.

With the advantage, Flamengo had more opportunities to play their game, while the green-and-white team overused long balls. On one of Flamengo's attacks, Luis Gustavo challenged for a ball in the air, which fell to Rhyan, who ended up being brought down. Another penalty for Flamengo. The number 9 himself placed the ball on the penalty spot and scored. 3-1 Flamengo.

In the second half, the situation remained the same, with Flamengo pushing the game and wanting more goals. And it didn't take long for that to happen. After a cross from the left, Lázaro beat the defense and with a beautiful touch chipped the ball over the goalkeeper, extending Flamengo's lead.

Through sheer force and long balls to the wingers, the São Paulo team managed to reduce the deficit. After another cross into the Flamengo box, Gabriel Silva deflected the ball, and it hit the post before going in. Despite the second goal, Palmeiras lacked the strength to equalize, and the "Mais Querido" secured a spot in the final.