Not this time. Despite a great campaign and captivating the country with a new generation of players who combine great technique, speed, and the grit characteristic of the Sacred Mantle, the Garotos do Ninho lost 2-1 to Corinthians (Dener) on Sunday night (January 19.01), in the national classic played at Arena Barueri, a repeat of last year's final, won by the red-blacks on penalties, and were eliminated from the current edition of the tournament in the quarterfinals. 

If it leaves a taste of wanting more, with another final approaching, the young team, mostly made up of athletes aged 18, 17 and even 16, such as standout Vinícius Junior and striker Lincoln, leaves a great impression and draws even more attention from Brazil and the Red-Black Nation to a team that is still being formed, and that led by coach Gilmar Popoca on the bench and captain Dener, a leader on and off the field, has everything to have an excellent season in 2017 and return even stronger – and more experienced – for the São Paulo Cup in 2018, always acting with an attacking mentality.

"I want to thank the entire group for their unity, friendship, and camaraderie. We're a family, and being alongside this coaching staff and these players is an honor for me, and I know it's for them too. We had a great campaign, but unfortunately, we didn't achieve our goal, which was the title. The defeat hurts, but we know we satisfied our fans with our performance throughout the competition, and that, in a way, serves as encouragement. We'll mourn today, but as soon as we get to Rio, we'll lift our heads and move forward, because starting on the 28th, we have a new goal: the state championship," said defender and captain Dener, one of the team's key players in the competition, always with very solid and consistent performances.

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Flamengo spends the night in Barueri and returns to Rio de Janeiro on the afternoon of this Friday, January 20.01th. After the weekend back, the Garotos do Ninho return to training at Ninho do Urubu at the beginning of next week, already aiming at the debut in the Campeonato Carioca, on January 28.01th, against Boavista, in Gávea.