On Saturday night (January 03.01), Flamengo's under-20 soccer team debuted with a victory in the São Paulo Junior Cup. The boys defeated Maranhão team Sampaio Corrêa 4-1, with goals from Cafu, Jajá, and Douglas Baggio (2), at the Prefeito José Liberatti stadium. "We have a group that we believe Flamengo can achieve a good position. We entered, like every big team, thinking about the title. This first phase is the most dangerous. A good debut can lead to a good campaign," said coach Zé Ricardo.

With this result, the team is at the top of group Q, based on goal difference. The team returns to the field next Tuesday (06.01), against Vilhena, at 19 pm, for the second round of the Copinha.

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Cafu opened the scoring for Rubro-Negro four minutes into the first half. The goal began with Jajá in defense, who switched to the left with Jorge; the youngster found Ronaldo, who crossed low for Cafu to find a beautiful corner. Before the end of the first half, goalkeeper Daniel made a great save, stretching to palm a low shot just wide of the post. The goalscorer celebrated the goal at halftime. "We worked a lot on finishing in training, with the first and second balls. It fell to the ground, I managed to find the net with two touches," said Cafu.

Upon returning for the second half, coach Zé Ricardo made his first substitution: Luã Lúcio came on for Nathan. In the 16th minute, Trindade came on to replace Jackson. After a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area, Jajá extended Flamengo's lead in the 20th minute with a beautiful left-footed shot from the edge of the box. On the counterattack, Flamengo reduced the deficit through Alex Sandro, making it 2-1. A few minutes later, Flamengo also reacted quickly and skillfully. Trindade crossed into the box and found Douglas Baggio, who finished with a backheel. Immediately after the goal, Zé Ricardo made Flamengo's final substitution of the match: Matheus Sávio came on for Jajá. Baggio added another, after a triangulation with Matheus Sávio and Trindade, in the 36th minute, receiving a free kick at the edge of the six-yard box. 

"I thank God and my family for the goals. Now it's time to think about the next match. The pressure here at the youth level is also huge. Flamengo is a big team and thrives on that, on victories and titles. I'm doing my job so that if an opportunity arises in the professional ranks, I'll be well prepared to take advantage of it," said Douglas Baggio.