The talent of the Garotos do Ninho spoke louder in the three Fla-Flus of the youth categories held this Saturday (01), starting with the under-15 and ending with the under-20 team of Mengão. The clashes took place on the eve of the classic for the professional, valid for the Taça Rio.

Despite playing with ten men for the entire second half, the under-15s defeated Fluminense with a goal from Lázaro. The scorer of the winning goal would later be sent off with two yellow cards, a fact that didn't change the outcome of the match at Gávea Stadium. With the victory, Flamengo took the lead in the Guanabara Cup in the category, with nine points, and maintained its 100% record in the competition.

Also at the club's home stadium, Mengão's U-17 team secured a major comeback victory over their rivals. In a thrilling match in the first round of the State Championship, Patrick scored both goals that sealed the victory. It was an intense and closely contested game in midfield, with both teams battling for possession.

The opponent managed to open the scoring through Leandro Spadacio in the first half. After the Tricolor goal, the Mais Querido (Team's Favorite) grew into the match and began to dominate. It was then that defender-scorer Patrick stepped in. His role as captain was masterful, and the South American U-17 champion with the Brazilian national team led the red-and-black team, tying the match in the first half.

A perfectly placed corner kick found Patrick inside the penalty area, who rose above the opposing defense and bulged the net with a thunderous header. In the final period, the derby was evenly matched, but the match was truly red-and-black. The match was drawing to a close when, from another corner kick, the captain slotted home with his left foot, securing another victory for the Boys of the Nest.

All that was missing was a victory for the under-20s to complete the hat-trick... And it came! 

The match, a part of the U-20 Guanabara Cup, was played in Xerém. Even though they were playing at their opponent's home ground, the nation turned out in force at the Vale das Laranjeiras training center to support Flamengo in the Fla-Flu match in the category, and the cheers from the stands encouraged the "Mais Querido" to another positive result on the day.

Despite Flamengo's better performance in the first half, it was Fluminense who took the lead. Mascarenhas opened the scoring for the opponent with a free kick in the 45th minute. Despite the deficit, the young Mengão players were undeterred and took the field determined to bring the three points back to Ninho do Urubu.

Early in the second half, in the sixth minute to be precise, Vinicius Júnior sprinted down the right flank and crossed to Lincoln. The center forward challenged defender Eduardo, and the ball fell to Jean Lucas, who finished with precision to level the score.

The turning point came with another swift play by Vinicius Júnior, who was fouled by Tricolor goalkeeper Yuri inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Lincoln called the blame. With great skill, the red-and-black number 9 displaced the goalkeeper and put the Garotos do Ninho ahead.

Rounding out the scoring, it was the turn of the best player and top scorer of the South American U-17 Championship to leave his mark on the derby. In the dying minutes, Bernardo deflected the opponent's attacking attempt with a long shot. Vinicius Júnior beat the Tricolor defender and fired a left-footed cross-shot to seal the match, completing the Red-and-Blacks' hat-trick this Saturday.

The youth competitions will continue in full swing from this Tuesday (04), when the Mais Querido under-20 team will face Cabofriense at the opponent's home for the 14th round of the Taça Guanabara, with the ball rolling from 15 pm. For the Copa do Brasil in the category, the Garotos do Ninho will face CRB on Friday (07), at the Rei Pelé Stadium, in Maceió, with the ball rolling from 21:30 pm. The match will be broadcast by SporTV and ESPN Brasil.

On Saturday (08), a double round of the youth categories at the Gávea stadium. For the 4th round of the Guanabara Cup under-17 and under-15, Flamengo will face Carapebus/Campos, with the ball rolling at 13 pm and 15 pm respectively.