The "Garotos do Ninho" made a victorious debut in the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. In a match held this Friday at the José Liberatti Municipal Stadium in Osasco, São Paulo, Flamengo defeated São José-RS 2-1, with goals from Petterson and Werton. Four-time champions of the competition, the athletes wore a black ribbon on their shirts in honor of their massage therapist, Deni, who passed away in early 2024. 

The next match for the red-black team, which leads group 19 of the Copinha, will take place next Monday (8), at 20:30 pm, against São Bento-SP. 

The game

Like every season opener, the Mengão kids struggled to find space against a defensive opponent. In one of the first half's best plays, Werton made a good individual play and nearly opened the scoring. 

In first-half stoppage time, the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) scored the first goal. In a play worked down the left flank, full-back Zé Welinton reached the byline and crossed back. Striker Petterson, well positioned, finished with a beautiful shot to make it 1-0. 

Midfielder Lorran, who returned from vacation late after being included in some games by coach Tite last year, came on at half-time. And just one minute in, Mengão doubled the lead. After a cross from the right, Pedro Estevam headed the ball, but the goalkeeper partially saved it. On the rebound, striker Werton skillfully chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. A beautiful goal.

After six substitutions made by coach Mario Jorge, fatigue took its toll on the red-black team and São José pulled one back in the 36th minute. Despite the goal, Flamengo managed to control the action and finished the game calmly. 

Lineup: Dyogo Alves; Felipe Brian (Lorran), Diegão, Darlan (Iago) and Zé Welinton (Daniel Rogério); Rayan Lucas, Caio Garcia (Jean Carlos and Lucyan (Daniel Sales); Werton, Petterson and Pedro Estevam (Rodriguinho).

Technical sheet 

Flamengo 2 x 1 São José-RS - São Paulo Junior Football Cup 2024 - Round 1 of Group 19
Stadium: José Liberatti Municipal Stadium (Osasco-SP)
Goals: Petterson (49'1st half), Werton (1' 2nd half) and Daniel (São José) at 36'2nd half.