Flamengo put on a show, especially in the first half, and thrashed Volta Redonda 7-0 in the last round of the Guanabara Under-20 Cup, on Saturday afternoon (11), at the José Bastos Padilha Stadium, in Gávea. With the result, the red-black team qualified in second place for the quarterfinals of the Carioca in the category.

There were six goals in the first half alone. Pedro Leão scored twice, Alan, Daniel Sales (penalty), Guilherme, and Douglas Telles all scored in the first 45 minutes; and Emanuel sealed the victory late in the match.

The game

Shifted to the left after Germano was injured, right-back Daniel Sales delivered a left-footed cross in the second minute, perfectly placed for Pedro Leão to head home. The ball hit the post and bounced back to Pedro Leão, who slotted it home in the 14th minute. Two minutes later, Alan Santos made a fine solo run and fired a powerful shot over the bar, extending the red-and-blacks' lead.

It didn't take long for the third goal to arrive. This time, a cross from right-back Wanderson found Pedro Leão in the box. The number 9 headed the ball, and this time it went straight into the goalkeeper's right corner in the 19th minute. Rubro-Negro began to control the match without relinquishing possession, always looking for more goals. In the 34th minute, Douglas entered the box in a one-two with Pedro Leão and was awarded a penalty. Daniel Sales fired a powerful shot into the goalkeeper's left corner to score the fourth in the 35th.

In another play down the left, Daniel Sales crossed and Pedro Leão shot high, but the Volta Redonda goalkeeper saved with a great save in the 38th minute. In the 43rd minute, another beautiful goal. Douglas Telles dribbled in from the right and, despite being left-footed, fired a right-footed shot, making it five. There was barely time to celebrate. Guilherme struck a powerful, low shot and scored the sixth two minutes later.

As expected, the second half began at a more measured pace. João Vitor Couto, who came on at halftime, produced the first dangerous chance in the 14th minute, shooting close to goal, hitting the outside of the net. He then struck again, this time from outside the box, over the bar. In the 35th minute, Pedro Leão took a long-range shot, but the ball grazed the crossbar, leaving the opposing goalkeeper completely beaten. 

In another fine play, João Vitor Couto crossed from the right, Pedro Leão headed powerfully, the goalkeeper cleared the ball, and Emanuel slammed it into the net in the 42nd minute, scoring the seventh goal of the match. Shortly after, the referee blew the final whistle.