TWO-TIME CHAMPION! On this long weekend, September 7th, Flamengo wrote another successful chapter in the history of youth football. After a goalless draw in regulation time, Mengão won 3-2 on penalties and claimed its second Brasileirão U-20 title.

The heroes of the victory were Dyogo Alves, saving a penalty, Diegão, Ryan Lucas and Petterson, who converted their respective shots.  

Campaign
The "Garotos do Ninho" reached the final after leading Group A in the first phase of the Brasileirão U-20, with seven wins and only two losses, totaling 21 points. With the better campaign, the red-and-black team eliminated Athletico-PR in the quarterfinals, losing the first leg 2-1 and winning the second leg 4-1. In the semifinals, Mengão won twice against Santos and secured a spot in the final.

The game
The match began with both teams scrutinizing each other. Flamengo took the initiative and went on the attack, while Palmeiras waited more in their own half. Seven minutes in, the red-and-black team arrived well with Werton, who passed to Pedrinho in the box. The striker struck first time, but the goalkeeper saved.

In the 18th minute, the Ninho Boys threatened again. Petterson received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful shot. Kaique palmed it away for a corner. The Gávea team continued to create opportunities. In the 29th minute, after a counterattack, Lorran received the ball in the box and laid it off to Evertton, who struck it firmly, and the ball skimmed the crossbar before going out.

Flamengo pressure! Lorran passed to Petterson, who sent the ball back to the number 10, who fired a low shot into the corner. The goalkeeper made a great save. Flamengo then capitalized on Palmeiras's mistake in the play-offs. Petterson received the ball in midfield, beat two defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot. Kaique, once again, saved the São Paulo team. The first half ended at Raulino de Oliveira with the score tied.

Palmeiras came back stronger in the second half and threatened the red-and-black goal twice in the opening minutes. Flamengo, in turn, responded quickly with Werton, who took advantage of the loose ball in the box and struck hard, forcing another good save from goalkeeper Kaique.

As the second half progressed, the game became a bit tight, with a lot of back-and-forth in midfield. In the 35th minute, Lorran received the ball on the left side of the midfield, cut inside, and shot low into the corner. The ball sailed just wide of the post. Petterson then passed to Lorran in the box; he caught it with his toe, but it went wide.

The red-and-black team searched for the winning goal until the final minute of stoppage time, but the game remained tied and the decision went to penalties. In the shootout, Mengão prevailed, winning 3-2, with goalkeeper Dyogo Alves saving a penalty. Diegão, Ryan Lucas, and Petterson converted for the Mais Querido.

With this result, Flamengo became the two-time U-20 Brasileirão champion, their 24th youth title this season. In addition, the team secured a spot in next year's U-20 Libertadores.

Flamengo
Dyogo Alves; Daniel Sales (Felipe Brian), Diegão, Cleiton and Zé Welinton; Igor Jesus (Rayan Lucas), Evertton and Lorran; Werton, Petterson and Pedrinho.
Coach: Mario Jorge.

Palmeiras
Kaique; Edney, Vitor Reis, Michel (Gabriel Vareta) and Ian; Léo (Kauan Santos), Patrick (David) and Allan; Estêvão (Vitor André), Thalys and Kevin.
Coach: Lucas Andrade.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 0(3)x0(2) Palmeiras – Final of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship
Location: Raulino de Oliveira Stadium, RJ
Date and time: 07/09/2023 at 11:XNUMX PM
Arbitration: Arthur Gomes Rabelo (ES), Anne Kesy Gomes de Sá (AM) and Pedro Amorim de Freitas (ES)
Yellow cards: Daniel Sales (FLA), Petterson (FLA), Thalys (PAL), Edney (PAL) and Evertton (FLA)
Penalty goals: Diegão, Ryan Lucas and Petterson.