Flamengo beat Botafogo 1-0 in the first leg of the Carioca Sub-20 semifinal

Flamengo beat Botafogo 1-0 in the first leg of the Carioca Sub-20 semi-final

The Ninho boys are ahead and will decide the match in Gávea, next Thursday (16)

By Paulo Neto - in 09/09/2021 às 19:48

In the first leg of the Carioca Sub-20 semifinal, Flamengo faced Botafogo on Thursday afternoon (9), at CEFAT. The Mais Querido took the lead at the beginning of the match and has the advantage for the return leg, in Gávea, Thursday (16), in search of a place in the championship decision. Mengão can even lose the next game by a one-goal difference and still qualify for the finals, as it has the best campaign in the Taça Guanabara. The result is even more important, since by confirming qualification for the final, Flamengo guarantees a place in next year's Under-20 Brazil Cup.

The game

The Boys of the Nest started the match with a bang. In the first attack, three minutes in, Daniel Cabral sent Luan down the right wing, who crossed into the middle of the box. The ball went past everyone, deflected off Botafogo defender Felipe, and ended up in the corner of the goal. 1-0 Flamengo.

Despite the early goal, Flamengo continued to dictate the pace of the game and created the best opportunities to increase the score.

In the 11th minute, Lázaro won the ball back in midfield, advanced, and arrived in the box to shoot. The ball went out for a corner after a deflection. Cleiton headed Daniel Cabral's shot dangerously, and Flamengo nearly extended their lead.

After the technical timeout in the 21st minute, after a beautiful play between Daniel Cabral and Matheuzão, Lazaro shot over the bar. In the 37th minute, after a pass from Lázaro, André shot, forcing a save from the Botafogo goalkeeper.

In the 41st minute, Botafogo had its first chance in the game, after a fast run by Ryan, João Fernando made a great save for the Mais Querido.

Early in the second half, Matheuzão won a free kick, entered the box, and had his shot blocked. Flamengo then controlled the game.

Flamengo dominated the remainder of the match, but failed to convert possession into clear-cut scoring chances. In the 35th minute, Botafogo had its best chance of the match, a cross from the right that was wasted. In the 46th minute, Daniel Cabral received his second yellow card and was sent off.

Now, Rubro-Negro awaits the game next week to seek a place in the final of the Carioca Sub-20.

Next appointment

Mengão's U-20 team returns to the field next Sunday (12), at 11 am, in Gávea, to face São Paulo in the 15th round of the Brazilian U-20 Championship.

Flamengo lineup

João Fernando; Luan, Noga, Cleiton and Marcos Paulo (Italo); Daniel Cabral, Thiaguinho (Werton), Max and Lázaro; André (Yuri) and Mateuzão (Gabriel Barros).
Coach: Fabio Matias.

Data sheet:
Flamengo 1 x 0 Botafogo – First leg of the Carioca Sub-20 Semifinals

Location: CEFAT

Date: 09 / 09 / 2021

Referee: Yago de Souza Figueiredo

Assistants: Rodrigo Felipe Marinho Ferreira and Idries Bulkool Bernstein

Red Card: Daniel Cabral (46' 2H)

Goal: Felipe, 3' (Own goal).