In a classic match held on Friday morning (13) at the Nivaldo Pereira Stadium, Flamengo's U-15 team, led by coach Leonardo Cherede, beat Vasco 3x1 (Christian [2] and David, in the first leg of the Copa Rio semi-final. Having performed better in the qualifying phase, the Garotos do Ninho can lose by up to two goals in the return leg next Saturday (21), at Gávea, and will still be classified for the final of the competition.

The game

Mengão dominated the derby from the first minute to the last, opening the scoring in the 20th minute. After receiving a beautiful cross from Tallyson, top scorer David headed the ball in with style to put the Mais Querido in front. In the 40th minute, Christian took a chance from outside the box and scored a stunning goal. The ball flew over goalkeeper Victor Alemão.

Despite a solid first-half lead, Rubro-Negro didn't slow down in the second half, scoring the third goal in the 12th minute, again through Christian (the best player on the pitch). Well positioned inside the box, he slotted the ball into the back of the net after a free kick taken by Lucas.

Vasco scored a consolation goal in the 27th minute, with a penalty kick from Lipão. But it was Mengão who left the field with the victory, further extending their lead in the race for a spot in the Copa Rio U-15 final.

Flamengo: Leo Nannetti, Lucas Vieira, Yago, Felipe, Italo; Christian, Pablo, Joshua; Tallyson, Bidu and David. Coach: Leonardo Cherede.