In their best performance so far in the U-20 State Championship, Flamengo defeated the dangerous Madureira 3-1 (Patrick and Moraes [2]) this Saturday morning (18.02), in Gávea, in a match valid for the fifth round of the Guanabara Cup. The result puts the Garotos do Ninho tied with Botafogo, who still plays in the round, in the lead of Group A, with 10 points. The Mais Querido returns to the field this Wednesday (22.02), when they receive Carapebus/Campos, at 15 pm, in Gávea.

Despite the intense heat that punished everyone in the stands and on the field, Flamengo attacked their opponents from the opening whistle and were rewarded with a stunning goal from Moraes just five minutes into the match. A powerful shot into the left corner, unstoppable by goalkeeper Lucão. Flamengo nearly scored their second in the tenth minute, when Kleber passed the ball to João Pedro, who crossed low. The ball flew inches past Loran and Patrick, who narrowly missed it. In the 20th minute, just before the timeout, in the Tricolor Suburbano's first major attack, the ball bounced into the box for striker Bernardo to equalize. In the 40th minute, Kleber cleverly took a quick free kick near the box. Lucas Silva arrived well and crossed for João Pedro, who narrowly missed scoring the second before halftime.

Following instructions from coach Walter Machado, who is in charge of the team during Gilmar Popoca's vacation, Os Garotos do Ninho went into the second half knowing the importance of a victory against a direct opponent and pressed from the start. Flamengo created excellent scoring chances in the third minute, with João Pedro, and in the twelfth, with Patrick. In the 3th minute, the net shook again. Kleber was fouled at the edge of the box, and Patrick fired a masterful shot into the left corner, which Lucão only jumped to get in the picture. 

"I'm very happy to be able to help the team. Today I was able to do my best, showing grit and desire in the game. The free kick goal was very important, as I practice taking it every day, and today I was rewarded with this beautiful goal. But the most important thing was the team's victory. The group knew the importance of this victory, and thank God we were successful. Now, we're going to look to take the lead in the group," said midfielder Patrick.

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In the 26th minute, Loran missed a great chance inside the opponent's box. Shortly afterward, he developed severe cramps and left the game, making way for Jardeu, who immediately had two excellent opportunities: in the 29th minute, after a cross from Kleber, he headed the ball against the post. Then, in the 30th minute, he received the ball in the box and fired a first-time shot to the right of Lucão's goal. In the 35th minute, he scored his second of the game, and the third great goal for the Boys of the Nest. After a rebound in the box, he controlled the ball with his chest and, without letting the ball fall, unleashed a powerful cross, sealing another victory for the red-and-blacks, their third in three games played at Gávea in the State Championship, thus maintaining their 100% home record in the competition.

"I had some very good performances during the São Paulo Cup, but I consider today's to be my best for Flamengo. I'm in a very good moment, with a lot of confidence. Thank God, I've been able to translate that into good performances on the field, and most importantly, to help our team. Today's victory was very important, in a crucial game in the championship. But we can't relax, because on Wednesday we'll have another tough match, and we'll again need the three points to give us more peace of mind for the rest of the championship," said left-back Moraes.

Flamengo entered the field with Hugo, Kleber, Bernardo, Andre Baumer, Moraes, Hugo Moura, Jean Lucas (Vinícius Souza), Patrick, João Pedro, Lucas Silva (Juninho) and Loran (Jardeu).