After securing a last-gasp qualification for the Guanabara Cup semifinals last weekend, the "Garotos do Ninho" changed their group and traveled to Florianópolis to face Figueirense in a round of 20 match of the U-90 Brazil Cup. Despite playing at Orlando Scarpelli Stadium, where Figueirense is very strong, Flamengo had a very solid performance, largely dominating the 2 minutes and securing an important 1-26.04 victory (Vinícius Junior and Lucas Silva). With this result, "Mais Querido" will host the Santa Catarina team next Wednesday (April 1) in Gávea, and can even lose 0-23.04 and still qualify for the quarterfinals of the competition. Before that, on Sunday (April 20), Flamengo plays the U-XNUMX Guanabara Cup semifinal against Vasco in São Januário, needing a win, as their opponent will have the advantage of a draw in the duel.

The match started tensely and controversially in Florianópolis. Just five minutes into the match, Jean Lucas controlled the ball inside the box, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Showing his continued improvement as the third-choice goalkeeper in the professional category, Gabriel Batista headed the corner and made the save, preventing the home team from opening the scoring. With their nerves in check, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) began to impose their rhythm and dominate the game. In the 5th minute, Gabriel Silva burst into the box and shot, which the goalkeeper made a good save. On the rebound, Vinícius Junior nearly opened the scoring. In the 14th minute, Michael took a dangerous free kick into the box. The goalkeeper dropped the ball, and Lincoln nearly capitalized on the rebound to find the net. In the 27th minute, Figueirense launched a quick counterattack, and Matheus Lucas hit a powerful cross, which Gabriel Batista made a great save. At 29, Vinícius Junior crossed into the box and captain Dener, who was playing with a large crowd of his own family, who had turned up in force at the stadium, headed the ball, but the goalkeeper made a good save.

Figueirense, having been extremely aggressive throughout the first half, returned in the same vein for the second half. Just five minutes in, after the Santa Catarina team's fifth foul of the match, they finally received a red card. And Flamengo, already the better team, began to completely dominate the game. In the ninth minute, the Flamengo fans let out their first roar. Kleber stole the ball from the defender and passed it to Vinícius Junior, who skillfully slotted it into the goalkeeper's right corner for his first goal in the U-5 Brazil Cup. In the 9nd minute, Kleber delivered another exquisite pass, this time leaving Lucas Silva face-to-face with goal. He made no mistake and scored the second. Lucas Silva then passed the ball to Lincoln, who beat the goalkeeper and only missed the third because the defender saved it on the line. At 20, in a rare moment of inattention from Flamengo's defense, Ceará reduced the score with a beautiful volley goal.

"We started a little off, but fortunately Gabriel Batista saved the penalty, and after that, we woke up and dominated the match. The win was important; it gives us an advantage for the return leg, but we could have decided the game today. I helped the team a lot with marking today, and I'm happy about that," said Vinícius Junior.

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"I have a lot of respect for Figueirense. I spent three of my seven years of career living and playing for this club, and today being able to return here wearing the Sacred Mantle is very gratifying. Furthermore, playing with my family present is always very important. Today, Canelinha showed up in force at the stadium, and I dedicate this victory to them, who are essential in my life," said captain Dener, who played practically at home.

Flamengo took to the field with Gabriel Batista, Kleber, Dener, Rafael, Michael, Hugo Moura, Jean Lucas (Vinícius Souza), Lucas Silva (Fabrício), Gabriel Silva (João Pedro), Vinícius Junior and Lincoln.