In the first leg of the Brazilian Under-20 quarterfinals, Flamengo lost to Vasco da Gama 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon (20), at São Januário. Matheus França, who came on in the second half, scored the only goal for Rubro-Negro in the match. It is worth noting that, with the result, Mais Querido will have to win the second leg by two goals to advance to the next stage. If they win by one goal, the decision will be on penalties.

The game
The derby started evenly, with both teams looking to attack. In the 12th minute, Flamengo threatened for the first time. Yuri took a corner, Ryan Luka headed the ball, and it went dangerously wide of the goalkeeper's left. Five minutes later, Ryan Luka made a good run down the right, burst into the box, and rolled the ball into the middle. Lázaro arrived with a first-time shot, and the ball went just wide.

In the 32nd minute, Daniel Cabral stole the ball in the box's half-moon area and fired a well-placed shot. The ball went to Fintelman's left. Vasco continued to pressure Vasco in their own half, stealing possession several times due to the team's high marking. In the 37th minute, Lázaro received the ball in midfield and struck beautifully, but the ball went over the crossbar.

One of Vasco's few attacking opportunities resulted in the first goal of the game. Saulo took a corner kick, and Andrey headed it into the net: 1-0. The red-and-black team had the upper hand in the first half, but went into the break trailing.

Early in the second half, Mengão nearly tied the game. Matheus França delivered a perfect cross, and Ryan Luka's stylish header exploded off the goalkeeper's right post. In the 11th minute, Mengão leveled the score! Luan reached the byline and crossed for Matheus França, who stretched out his left foot to send the ball into the net: 1-1.

Flamengo narrowly avoided turning the game around in the 20th minute. Ryan Luka delivered a beautiful pass to Lázaro, who was free inside the box, but the ball bounced and prevented the red-and-black legend from finishing. In the 28th minute, Vasco scored the second goal through MT, making it 2-1. In stoppage time, Daniel Cabral took a dangerous free kick that nearly resulted in the equalizer. Flamengo fought until the end, but was defeated in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Next appointment
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Tuesday (26) to face Vasco da Gama again, at 15:15 pm, in Gávea, for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.

Technical sheet
Vasco da Gama 2x1 Flamengo – First Leg of the Brazilian Under-20 Quarterfinals
Location: São Januário, RJ
Date: 20 / 10 / 2021
Referee: Rafael Martins de Sá
Assistants: Gabriel Conti Viana and Diego Luiz Barcelos
Yellow cards: Daniel Cabral (FLA) and Juninho (VAS)
Goals: Andrey (41'1st half), Matheus França (11'2nd half) and MT (28'2nd half).

Flamengo lineup
Matheus Cunha; Luan, Kayque Soares, Claiton and Ramon; Daniel Cabral, Yuri and Lázaro (André); Thiaguinho (Gabriel Barros), Pedro Arthur (Matheus França) and Ryan Luka (Werton).
Coach: Fabio Matias.