Coach Leonardo Ramos' team meets on the Gávea pitch

Photos: Victor Baetas

Flamengo was defeated 2-0 by Botafogo, with goals from Kauan Toledo and Yarlen, in the first leg of the Copa Rio Sub-20 semifinals, on Saturday afternoon (10), at the José Bastos Padilha Stadium, in Gávea. As the opponent plays for two equal results, Rubro-Negro will have to win the second leg by three goals to secure qualification and decide the title. The second duel is scheduled for next Saturday, the 17th, at 10 am, at Nilton Santos.

Flamengo didn't start the game well and conceded a goal in the second minute. Looking for a comeback, they almost equalized in the eighth minute, with a shot from Felipe Lima, into the right corner, which the Botafogo goalkeeper palmed out. Seven minutes later, Alan Santos missed a great chance to tie the game.

Behind on the scoreboard, Rubro-Negro made their presence felt in attack, with dangerous plays, mainly on the left side, with full-back Germano, who almost scored with a header after lobbing the goalkeeper, but the defender saved, at 26. Botafogo only attacked strongly again at 40, with a header that went wide.

After halftime, the situation didn't change much. Flamengo had more possession and tried to be aggressive, while the opposition capitalized on their advantage, playing tighter defense to quickly attack. The goalkeepers didn't have much to work with until the 32nd minute, when Botafogo broke through on the right and Leo Nannetti saved a shot from outside the box.

Two minutes later, the Black and White attack threatened again, with a shot over the bar. The Black and White team, having the upper hand in the match, extended their lead in the 39th minute, following a rebound from Leo Nannetti.