This Thursday (25), at 10 am, Flamengo and São Paulo face each other in the grand final of the 2018 São Paulo Junior Football Cup. For Flamengo, the journey has always involved a lot of overcoming and collaboration between players and coaching staff. The 25 players called up by Maurício Souza were fundamental to reaching the final. Of the names registered by Flamengo, only one did not enter the field during the campaign.

Three Flamengo players already know what it's like to win a São Paulo Cup. At 16, left-back Michael debuted in the Under-20 category and, participating in the final at Pacaembu, was part of Flamengo's last victory in 2016. The cases of midfielders Pepê and Patrick are similar. The latter even scored the penalty that secured the title for Flamengo.

Despite having experienced players, Flamengo also brought in seven recently promoted players from the U17 team. After a great season, goalkeeper Victor Hugo, left-back Ramon, defender Patrick, defensive midfielder Matheus Alves, midfielder Yuri, and forwards Wendel and Vitor Gabriel arrived at the Juniors to contribute – and that's exactly what happened.

Another important point is the competition's goalscoring. Of the 21 goals scored (including Germano's own goal), ten Flamengo players found the net. Vitor Gabriel is the top scorer with four goals, followed by Lucas Silva and Luiz Henrique with three, Pepê, Patrick and Bill with two each, and Bernardo, Yuri, Matheus Dantas and Wendel with one goal each.

The final act is approaching. For the Flamengo youth team, it will be the chance to write their names in the club's history in the fight for their fourth São Paulo Cup title.