Flamengo was superior, but failed to defeat Botafogo in the first leg of the Octavio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG) final. Mengão's juniors lost the match 2-1 and go into the second and decisive duel, scheduled for next weekend at Caio Martins Stadium, at a disadvantage. 

The match began with a lightning goal from Botafogo, scored in the opening minute. Despite the scare, Flamengo remained undeterred and went in search of an equalizer, which eluded them. And in the final minute of the first half, their opponents surprised them by extending their lead with a rebound goal from a free kick.

In the second half, it was all Flamengo. Rafinha was the standout performer for the Mais Querido. The young striker really troubled Botafogo's defense. And it was from his feet that the goal that halved the deficit for the Red-Blacks was created. The youngster took a well-placed free kick, and João Felipe headed it into the back of the net.

Left-back Felipe Dias, who made his professional debut last week against Náutico, emphasized that the OPG title isn't yet decided. The number 6 is confident of a red-and-black victory next week.

"Nothing is decided yet. Our team fought to get a draw, but it wasn't possible. But now in the second game we're going to fight to lift this title at Caio Martins. It's a very important title for us," said the left-hander.

Coach Cleber dos Santos' team played with Luan, João Felipe, Fernando, Samir and Felipe Dias; Recife (Digão), Victor Hugo (Romário), Rodolpho and Pedrinho (Lucas); Rafinha and Igor Sartori.

Football director Zinho watched the match from the sidelines and went to the locker room to give the boys some moral support. Luiz Antonio, Mattheus, and Douglas Henrique also went to Gávea to cheer on the juniors, where they were recently. Adryan was another who watched the match, but preferred to stay as a traditional fan. Mengão's number 37 watched the game from the stands and received the affection of the fans in attendance.

After the match, Mattheus, Adryan and Luiz Antonio went to the hotel that serves as the professional team's training ground, in Barra da Tijuca, and, with the red-black delegation, went to the city of Volta Redonda, where they will face Palmeiras tomorrow.