Defender Yago celebrates Flamengo's goal in the U-20 Rio Cup - Photos: Victor Baetas

A mission given is a mission accomplished. That's how Flamengo qualified for the semifinals of the Copa Rio U-20. Only a victory would guarantee a spot among the top four in the competition in this Sunday's Fla-Flu (04). Playing at their opponent's home ground, at the Marcelo Vieira Stadium in Xerém, the Garotos do Ninho won 1-0, with a goal from defender Yago, and advanced to face Botafogo for a spot in the final.

Flamengo showed greater attacking presence from the start of the match and had a good chance to score through Alan in the 10th minute. Soon after, left-back Italo had to be substituted due to injury. Germano came on in the 14th minute. In the 19th minute, Rafael Couto almost took advantage of a mistake by the Tricolor defense and shot to the left of the goalkeeper, grazing the post.

In the 32nd minute, another red-and-black arrival came from Germano, who crossed, but Felipe Lima couldn't get his header on target. In the 41st minute, Lucas Furtado made his only save of the game, palming the ball out of the box after a cross.

A minute later, Fabiano struck a powerful shot, and the goalkeeper cleared it for a corner. The goal was ripe for the taking, and it finally happened in the 46th minute: Rafael Couto took a corner kick to the far post, headed by defender Yago, who finished into the net.

The deficit changed Fluminense's positioning in the second half. With a stronger attacking presence, they began to press and hit the crossbar in the 11th minute. Flamengo responded quickly, posing significant danger down the right, with full-back Guilherme following a superb pass from goalkeeper Lucas Furtado.

Even playing mostly in their attacking half, Tricolor couldn't create many opportunities, but they threatened from time to time, like a shot from outside the box that went close to the post, in the 33rd minute. As the clock ticked down, the opponent, who needed at least a draw to qualify, launched an attack.

Fluminense looked for free kicks near the box to try to equalize in aerial plays and forced Lucas Furtado to make another intervention in the 46th minute. Flamengo's defensive system, however, ended up working and was fundamental in securing a place in the semifinals.

Coach: Leonardo Ramos.