In the first game of the semi-final of the Taça Rio Sub-20, Rubro-Negro drew with Vasco da Gama on the morning of this Wednesday (06), at the Nivaldo Pereira stadium, in Artsul, in Austin, Nova Iguaçu.

The match was marked by fierce competition and intense heat. Ten minutes into the second half, Matheus Sávio was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. Despite being ten men down, Cafu scored for Vasco in the 17th minute, after a penalty was conceded by Fabrício. In the 28th minute, Vasco equalized, also from the penalty spot.

Gilmar Popoca, U20 coach, commented on the duel. 

"The game was extremely difficult, we knew that. Vasco, playing at home, is always a tough team, they play a tight game. They came out with a much more defensive and counter-attacking approach than actually playing the game. I think Flamengo was superior in both halves. Despite being a man down in the second half, I think we created even more chances than them," said the manager.

The coach also spoke about the second match of the semifinal.

"I'm sure, given what the players produced in this game, their consistent, organized play, and the dedication they've been showing during training this week, that we'll play a great game and achieve a great victory," commented Popoca.

Regarding the advantage of a draw, the coach warned.

"I have the characteristic of being an attacking guy, my teams will always propose the game, they will always play on equal terms. I don't know how to play defensively. Of course, always in a balanced way. We have to have a well-organized, well-defined defensive system so that we are not surprised. However, I have complete confidence that victory will come and qualification will come to the final stage," concluded the coach.

With the result, Flamengo has the advantage of a draw in the return game (16), at 10 am, in Gávea.