Always the better team on the field, controlling the game from start to finish, Flamengo defeated Portuguesa 1-0 this Saturday in the first round of the Carioca U-20 Championship. The match was played at the opponent's stadium, Luso Brasileiro, on Ilha do Governador. Team captain Fabiano scored the winning goal.

After debuting with a victory in Carioca, Flamengo will face Maricá next Saturday (9), at 15 pm, at José Bastos Padilha Stadium, in Gávea, for

second round of the Guanabara Cup.

From the start of the match, Flamengo controlled the game with far superior possession, but struggled to create scoring chances. The first good opportunity came in the 16th minute, when Gusttavo cut in from the left, shot, and the defense deflected it. From the corner kick, Camargo challenged for the ball in the air, managed to head it, and the ball hit the crossbar.

The first half didn't change. While Flamengo pushed forward and held the ball nearly all the time, Portuguesa closed up defensively and tried to steal possession to gain momentum. Until, in the 39th minute, Flamengo narrowly missed opening the scoring, with Guilherme's shot hitting the right post, with the goalkeeper completely beaten.

In the last most dangerous attacking move of the first half, Gusttavo had an incredible chance in the air, in front of goal, but was unable to finish with his head, in the 42nd minute.

With the same approach as in the first half, Flamengo came back attacking heavily and, after two free kicks and a corner, scored the first goal in the 10th minute. Shola received the ball at speed, got there before the goalkeeper, and fired over the bar. The ball hit the crossbar, and Fabiano headed the rebound home.

In the 18th minute, Ryan Roberto, who replaced Mora, shot over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Gusttavo crossed from the right, and the Portuguesa goalkeeper saved. The game continued without scoring opportunities for either side until the final whistle.

Coach: Bruno Pivetti.

Flamengo 1x0 Portuguesa