Anyone who follows the youth teams knows that the rivalry between Flamengo and Palmeiras is not restricted to professional football. In search of a second championship, Mengão will decide the title of the U-20 Libertadores against the São Paulo team, this Sunday (16), at 20 pm, at the Arsenio Erico Stadium, in Asunción.

The first meeting between athletes from the two teams took place on the final's media day, promoted by Conmebol, Friday (14), on the final pitch. Rubro-Negro players Lucas Furtado, Iago and Rayan Lucas were present. On the Palmeiras side were goalkeeper Aranha, Riquelme and Luighi. In a cordial atmosphere, the athletes posed for photos and recorded videos for the production of match content.

A defender for the Brazilian national team and a strong-willed performer on and off the field, Iago makes no secret of his determination to lift the Libertadores Cup once again. Always down-to-earth, he speaks naturally about his importance to the group.

- Leading this team is a very relaxed commitment because the guys have a lot of experience playing football. It's a source of pride for me to lead these kids," says Iago, who spoke a little about what he expects from the decision:

- Expectations are always high. We've had a good competition so far, we're undefeated, but the work never stops. We have one more training session before the final, and we'll stay focused on our second title, God willing.

The red-and-black trio were present in the 2024 Copa Libertadores triumph and hope to use that experience to pursue a second consecutive title. And it all starts at the goalposts defended by goalkeeper Lucas Furtado, who has shown confidence both in defending and in the team's possession.

- "We've been working hard since the beginning and now for another final. We're very happy for the opportunity to play in another final and for the opportunity to bring Flamengo their second U-20 Libertadores title. We're going full steam ahead to secure another title," said the number 1.

Rayan Lucas, the key player for the U-20 team, is crucial for providing security to the defense and accelerating the game on offensive plays. Like most of the squad, the midfielder is well aware of Palmeiras' strength and preaches respect, while also demonstrating confidence in his teammates, coach Cleber dos Santos, and the entire coaching staff.

- Flamengo and Palmeiras is one of Brazil's biggest derbies, a big game that will be decided by the details. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will emerge victorious, and we hope to win the title. I had the experience of competing in this competition last year and coming out champions. The best player doesn't always win. There won't be an easy game. We have to compete, put our foot down, and play focused from the first minute to emerge champions," he said.

Having been in the Paraguayan capital for over 15 days for the U-20 Libertadores, Flamengo has three wins and one draw so far in the competition. The "Garotos do Ninho" (The Nest Boys) thrashed Olimpia-PAR 6-1 in their debut match; beat Danubio-URU twice, 3-1 in the group stage and 1-0 in the semifinals; and drew XNUMX-XNUMX with O'Higgins-CHI.