Athletes and coaching staff celebrate: Flamengo wins the Carioca Sub-15 title again after seven years
Photos: Adriano Fontes

Being a champion is good. At the opponent's home ground, after seven years, it's even better! Flamengo defeated Fluminense 3-2 on penalties and was crowned Rio de Janeiro U-15 champion at the Marcelo Vieira Stadium in Xerém. After winning 3-2 at Gávea, Flamengo was defeated 2-1 by Tricolor this Sunday (6), resulting in a draw on aggregate. José Eduardo scored the decisive penalty and kicked off the celebrations.

Needing a win, Fluminense started the match trying to dominate the attacking half and had a chance from a free kick early on. The ball went to the right of goalkeeper Alessandro. The opposition had more momentum, but most of the chances involved lofted balls into the box. A free kick from the left struck the crossbar in the 19th minute.

Shortly after, in the 22nd minute, Tricolor finally scored the first goal, precisely from a loose ball after a cross from the left, which was capitalized on by Crystian Gabriel. The red-and-black team, which had struggled to impose its game, improved after conceding the goal and began to create a few more chances. It was Fluminense, however, that came very close to extending their lead shortly before the end of the first half. The defense failed to clear the ball, and Alessandro saved a point-blank shot from the opposing striker.

Early in the second half, Flamengo made a good play with Leonardo Gabriel, who ran down the right, crossed, and the defense cleared. On the counterattack, Fluminense were awarded a penalty, and Ryan Santos scored the second in the 2nd minute. Guilherme missed a great opportunity to reduce the deficit with a header shortly afterward.

The opponent continued to dominate the match and could have increased the lead in the sixth minute. Two minutes later, Flamengo finally scored the first goal. Samuel Julio headed in a precise header from a corner kick by Thomas Robson. Fluminense had another dangerous attack in the 6th minute, while Flamengo responded in the 17th minute, with a shot over the bar by José Eduardo.

Most of the play was concentrated in midfield. The red-and-blacks couldn't finish their attacks, and Fluminense even managed to get close twice, but goalkeeper Alessandro calmly saved. Since Flamengo had won the first leg 3-2, the 2-1 loss forced the title decision to penalties.

Lucas Guedes, Leonardo Gabriel, and Zé Eduardo scored for Mengão. Goalkeeper Alessandro saved Lucas Santos' shot, and the victory went to the Ninho Boys. They're champions!!!

Coach: João Fernandes.

Alternates: Thalles Oliveira, Felipe Pina, Natan Araújo, Ricardo Pietro, Noáh Gerlach, Guilherme Abel, Luca Tatsch, Bernardo França, William Felix and José Eduardo.