It wasn't this time. Despite once again being far superior to their opponent and creating the best scoring chances throughout the game, the ball kept refusing to go in, which is what has been the fate of Mais Querido in the current edition of the RS Internacional U-20 Cup. In the end, Flamengo conceded a goal, and the 1-0 loss to Cruzeiro in a national derby in the third round of the competition's group stage eliminates the Garotos do Ninho's chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals. Mais Querido concludes its participation next Saturday (09) at 16:30 pm, when it faces Ponte Preta, with live coverage on SporTV. Afterward, the team will return to Ninho do Urubu and continue its preparations for the São Paulo Junior Football Cup in January.  

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Five minutes into the game, Ramon crossed into the box for Lucas Silva. He controlled the ball with his chest, unmarked, but was slow to finish and was blocked by the defense. João Pedro's corner kick grazed the near post, and Thuler headed over the bar from inside the six-yard box. In the 14th minute, Hugo Moura's free kick was well saved by goalkeeper Robson. The Boys from the Nest threatened again in the 22nd minute, when Lucas Silva made a good run down the right wing and crossed into the box. The ball went wide, and Wendel narrowly missed reaching the ball to score at the far post. 

In the 27th minute, Thuler delivered a beautiful pass to Vinicius Souza. He controlled the ball with style inside the box, but his finishing was poor, missing an excellent chance to score the Mais Querido's first goal of the game and the competition, allowing Robson to make an easy save. Cruzeiro's first attack came only in the 31st minute. Alesson made a good individual move and burst into the box with a dangerous shot, but was blocked by Dantas as he took the shot. A minute later, Guilherme headed the ball powerfully, but Hugo Souza flew in to make an excellent save, palming it out for a corner. 

Just like in the match against Juventude, Flamengo was the better team, but couldn't translate their superiority into goals. In the 38th minute, Aderlan delivered a good cross, but João Pedro and Vitor Gabriel couldn't reach the ball, and the defense cleared the danger once again, in the final goal of the first half.

The second half started evenly, but with Mais Querido slightly better. In the 17th minute, João Pedro struck a powerful shot from outside the box, but goalkeeper Robson saved it with the tip of his finger. The Rubro-Negro pressed again, looking for the first goal. In the 20th minute, Wendel received the ball and fired a first-time cross, but Robson made another good save. The defense cleared the rebound. 

In the 27th minute, Flamengo created its best chance yet. Lucas Silva delivered a sweet cross to Vinícius Souza inside the six-yard box, but the shot went over the bar and went over the goal. In the dying seconds, Alesson scored for the Minas Gerais team, sealing Flamengo's elimination from the competition. 

Coach: Mauricio Souza.