The situation of Flamengo's youth team in the Campeonato Carioca in the category became complicated this Saturday (27.03). The red-blacks lost the classic with Botafogo, in Caio Martins, by 3 to 2, while their main rivals in the fight for the title (Fluminense and Vasco) won their matches in this round.

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At the end of this round, the Gávea team sits third in the Guanabara Cup, with 26 points, level with Alvinegro. Flu leads with 29, and Vasco is second with 28.

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The match began with both teams chasing a result; after all, it was a so-called six-point game. Whoever won would not only earn three points but also deny their opponent the chance to secure them. Botafogo took the lead in the first half. However, Vinícius Paquetá, on an inspired afternoon, equalized. Before halftime, however, the home team regained the lead and went into the locker room leading 2-1.

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In the second half, the black and whites extended their lead, complicating matters for Flamengo. Paquetá's star shined once again in the 37th minute of the second half, and Flamengo pulled one back to make it 3-2. From then on, coach Armênio Moura's team launched an attack seeking an equalizer, but failed.

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Fla entered the field with Marcelo Carné, Galhardo (Alex), Michel, Henrique (Ricardinho), Marlon and Jorbison; João Vitor, Maicon (Juninho), Guilherme, Douglas; Paquetá and Dudu.

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Embezzlement
Flamengo was without one of its standout players in this derby. Saba, who had already sat out the game against Vasco in midweek, also missed the match against Botafogo. The player was stepped on during Thursday's friendly in Brasília and was ruled out for the match.

"In Brasília, I felt a little pain, but nothing serious. Then, as time went by, it got worse, my foot swelled up... Doctor Gustavo examined me and I ended up having to sit out the game," explained the midfielder.