A victory with the red-black spirit, of fighting and commitment until the end. This is how Flamengo won 2-1, coming from behind, against Vasco in the first match of the Copa Rio Sub-17 final, this Sunday (9), at the José Bastos Padilha Stadium, in Gávea. João Vitor scored both goals for the team led by Daniel Franklin, the second one in stoppage time.

After two good chances to score early in the match, with Pedro Henrique and João Vitor, Flamengo ended up conceding the first goal of the game in the 7th minute, scored by Alex Bruno. In a free-kick taken by Rogerio in the 17th minute, Pedro Pinho headed dangerously wide to the right of the post.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Werneck made a good save after a free kick by Luis Felipe, Vasco's right-back, in the 27th minute. After a cross from the left, Enzo almost managed to equalize with a good shot, but the opposing defense cleared the ball. There were no more dangerous plays until the end of the first half.

In less than four minutes of the second half, Flamengo had two chances. Pedro Pinho took a long-range free kick that was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, and Rogério hit a good shot that grazed the left post. Vasco responded five minutes later with a long-range shot that Werneck, well positioned, saved. The Flamengo goalkeeper made another good save three minutes later.

At 7 minutes, Wallace took a corner kick that found Luiz Chape's head, who headed firmly towards goal, but the Vasco goalkeeper made a good save. Flamengo pressed forward with everything, while Vasco relied on counter-attacks, almost always with long balls. Enzo came close to scoring with a volley at 21 minutes. After so much initiative, Flamengo equalized at 38 minutes with João Vitor, taking advantage of an assist from Jhefinho.

Flamengo continued to show great commitment on the field, never giving up the fight for victory, despite the difficulties in reaching Vasco's area. And, shortly after missing a great chance with Pedro Henrique, they were rewarded for their fighting spirit in the 46th minute, when Diego Guimarães didn't give up on the ball, challenged the goalkeeper, and João Vitor showed opportunism in the rebound to score Flamengo's second goal.

Before the referee's final whistle, Vasco applied significant pressure, and defender Pedro Pinho even managed to save a ball that was about to go in, securing the advantage for the final match.