On the afternoon of this Friday (03.01), the under-20 football team debuted very well in the São Paulo Cup. With goals from Jajá, Recife, Douglas Baggio and Renan Donizete, the Rubro-Negro defeated Santo André by a landslide, by a score of 4 to 1, at the Alfredo de Castilho stadium, in Bauru.

 

Just nine minutes into the first half, Flamengo opened the scoring with midfielder Jajá, who chipped the goalkeeper with a long-range shot from outside the box. Marquinhos and Thiago Santos still created danger, but goalkeeper Guilherme saved. Two minutes before halftime, midfielder Recife extended the lead for Flamengo, heading into the corner of the Santo André goalkeeper's net.

 

In the second half, in the first minute, ABC Paulista pulled one back through Lucas Gomes. Flamengo quickly reacted, and Douglas Baggio made it 3-1 in the eighth minute with a low cross-shot. Renan Donizete sealed the score in the 23rd minute, following a pass from Flamengo.

 
"We really expected to have a good debut, given the preparation we put in. We've been focused on this game for over a month. The players were able to make what we did in training a reality. The boys were very committed, both defensively and offensively. This victory is very important for the continuation of the competition," praised the Rubro-Negro's coach, Cleber dos Santos. 

 

Fla is the leader of Group I and plays against the second-placed team, Aquidauaense, on January 06th, at 21 pm, also at Alfredo de Castilho.