Defender Yago scored the goal that secured Mengão's place in the semifinals. Photo: Victor Baetas/CRF

Only a victory in the Fla-Flu match, played last Sunday (4), in Xerém, was enough for the Garotos do Ninho to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Copa Rio Sub-20. Defender Yago's goal guaranteed second place in group B and a place among the top four in the competition. Now, Flamengo will face Botafogo, first place in group A, to see who will play in the final. The first leg will be this Saturday (10), at 15 pm, at the José Bastos Padilha Stadium, in Gávea, with broadcast on FlamengoTV.

The Rubro-Negro advanced with four wins, one draw, and two losses. The team, led by Leonardo Ramos, scored 18 goals and conceded seven. Pedro Leão is the top scorer in the Copa Rio, with seven goals. It's worth noting that the striker is no longer in the U-20 squad competing in the Copa Rio. Having scored 12 goals this season, Mengão's top scorer in the category is now part of Nuno Campos' squad, which is playing in the Brasileirão.

With the best record in the Rio U-20 Cup, Botafogo will be a tough opponent in the fight for a spot in the final. The Alvinegro, still unbeaten in the competition, has 19 points, with six wins and one draw. They scored 14 goals and conceded only four. The second leg is scheduled for the 17th at 10 am at Nilton Santos Stadium.

The other semifinal group stage clash will be between Resende and Vasco da Gama. The teams will also take to the field this Saturday (10), at 15 pm, at Nivaldo Pereira, Artsul stadium, located in Nova Iguaçu.