Flamengo's youth team got off to a strong start in the Belo Horizonte Cup. The red-and-black team has already played two matches in the competition and is undefeated, with one win and one draw. In its debut, coach Paulo Henrique's team drew 3-3 with Guarani (goals from Eliabe, João Victor, and Luis Antônio), and in the second round, played on Wednesday, the team from Gávea beat Caxias 1-0, with a goal from midfielder Luis Antônio.

Flamengo's starting lineup is César, Alex, Christianno, Marlon, and Jorbison; Luiz Antônio, João Victor, Maycon, Guilherme, and Carlyle; and Ricardinho. Next Friday, Flamengo faces the Brumadinho team at 19 p.m., and on Sunday, they face Atlético at Mineirão Stadium. On Tuesday, the team concludes its participation in the first stage of the Taça BH against Siderúrgica. Midfielder Eliabe believes the Rubro-Negro has what it takes to reach the final stage of the competition.

"Thank God we got an important victory in the second round, and that was very important for us. The Taça BH is a difficult championship, with strong teams, but we can advance. The team has quality, and we're going to fight for qualification," he said.