Current champions of the Votorantim Cup, the main national competition in the Under-15 category calendar and considered the Brazilian Children's Championship, the Garotos do Ninho debuted in the 2018 edition of the competition replaying the grand final of last season against Palmeiras. The match was very competitive and evenly matched. The final score of 0-0, added to the 1-1 draw in the other group match between Grêmio and Sport, leaves the four teams tied with one point. This Saturday (12) at 18:30 pm, Flamengo returns to the field to face Sport, in a very important duel for the continuation of the tournament.

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The first chance for the red-and-black team came in the 14th minute. Ryan was fouled on the right flank of the attack. Richard took a powerful shot, but the ball was well saved by the Palmeiras goalkeeper. In the 16th minute, the São Paulo team threatened. Marcio dribbled in midfield and took a long-range shot. Goalkeeper Christian was alert and deflected it for a corner. In the 19th minute, Ryan passed to Piauí, who tried to return the ball first time, surprising the opposing defense, but Pedro Lima stretched and managed to clear it. In the 23rd minute, in the last clear-cut chance of the first half, João Pedro broke free at speed and was blocked in the nick of time by Kauan Sérgio, the last man in the Palmeiras defense.

The second half started even more evenly than the first, and the game became very tight, with few scoring chances for either side. In the 17th minute, Palmeiras created a dangerous opportunity. Marcio was found behind the red-and-black defense and fired a cross. Christian couldn't reach it, but Kaiky cleared the ball on the line and saved the "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved). The national derby remained evenly balanced until the final minute, when Palmeiras defender Kauan Sérgio assaulted Felipe and was sent off by the referee, who immediately blew the final whistle.

"I think our entire team played well today. It's a very tough competition, with a very high level of performance. But we're well prepared, with high motivation and focus. Now we'll rest and enter tomorrow's match against Sport with even more energy, aware of the importance a victory will have for our progress in the championship," said goalkeeper Christian.

Flamengo entered the field with Christian, Samuel, Diego, Kaiky, Richard, Jorge, Daniel, Piauí (Kassio), Ryan, João Pedro (Victor Hugo) and João Vitor (Felippe). Coach: Mário Jorge.