The season that began with the São Paulo Cup title is drawing to a close with yet another triumph. On Friday afternoon, November 04.11th, Flamengo's U-20 team demonstrated a high level of technical and tactical quality, defeating Vasco 3-1 (Daniel [2] and Jean Lucas) at São Januário Stadium, and once again crowned champion of the traditional Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament, despite playing at their opponent's home ground.

Boasting the best attack, best defense, best record, and boasting the competition's undisputed top scorer (Daniel dos Anjos, with 11 goals in ten games), the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) proved that the title didn't come by chance. Playing the best on the pitch throughout the 180 minutes of the two decisive matches, the "Rubro-Negro" (Red-Blacks) were undeterred by playing the final at their opponent's home ground and largely dominated the match, being clinical and deadly in the two key plays of the first half. In the 25th minute, Matheus Sávio cleverly took advantage of the wet pitch and bounced the ball in front of the goalkeeper with a free kick. On the rebound, center forward Daniel dos Anjos, well-positioned as always, got in front of the defenders and tapped it into the back of the net. In the very next play, Igor could have doubled the lead, but his header hit the crossbar. 

In the 36th minute, Vasco's players complained about a penalty in Flamengo's box and forgot about the game. Flamengo was smart, and in a classic counterattack, Jean Lucas slotted a shot into the goalkeeper's left corner, giving Flamengo a 2-0 lead. Flamengo then took the lead into the locker room, looking comfortable and taking it to the break. At that moment, with a very balanced team and a defense that exuded extraordinary confidence, it seemed only tragedy would take the title from the Gávea trophy cabinet. And it was far from happening. Vasco reduced the deficit through Lohran and pressed in search of a comeback that would have sent the game to penalties, but in the 42nd minute, Matheus Sávio made a beautiful individual play, back-heeling the ball to Gabriel Ramos, who passed it to Daniel dos Anjos to score Flamengo's winning goal.

"This is a magical moment. Last year, I was called up to play in the World Cup for the Brazilian national team and I thought that would be the most special moment of my life. Today, I see that I was wrong. I'm so happy; being a champion with Flamengo is inexplicable. Congratulations to our entire team, and I'd like to give a special thanks to Nielsen, our goalkeeping coach. Now it's time to celebrate; this title is more than deserved for all of us," said Gabriel Batista, the competition's best goalkeeper.

The greatest representation of the level of maturity achieved by the entire team, especially in the final stretch of the competition, was the leadership exercised by number 10 Matheus Sávio.¬¬ After training with the professional team for a good part of the year and being called up alongside Felipe Vizeu and Lucas Paquetá for the Brazilian U-20 team that recently won the Chilean quadrangular, the midfielder answered the call of coach Gilmar Popoca and led the team in the final stretch of the OPG, giving even more experience and technical quality to the team that won the competition.

"I'm living a great moment in my career. Being part of Flamengo's first team and playing for the Brazilian national team are dreams I've fulfilled and want to continue to fulfill in my life, but continuing to win more titles at the youth level is also something very important to me. We had an exemplary performance, we deserved the result, and I'm very happy with this title, my first as team captain," said Matheus Sávio.

The competition's top scorer with an impressive average of over a goal per game (11 goals in ten games), center forward Daniel dos Anjos scored three of Flamengo's four goals in the final two games, and once again showed his importance and value within the team.

"My feeling right now is one of gratitude, to God and to my teammates. This achievement strengthens everyone. The top scorer award is an important personal milestone, but I'm aware it wouldn't have been achieved without the contribution of everyone in the group. I want to thank all the players, coaching staff, and board for believing in me. The pleasure of winning a title with Flamengo is special. Against Vasco, our biggest rival, for whom I have a lot of respect, and in their home, it's even greater. Today is a special day in my life and in my career," said the top scorer.

Ecstatic and very emotional after the end of the game, coach Gilmar Popoca, who had been an OPG champion as a player in the 80s, celebrated the victory in tears, now as a coach, alongside his family.

"Today is one of the happiest days of my life. Having the chance to continue wearing this Sacred Mantle, leading this group of wonderful and incredibly talented boys, and lifting this trophy alongside my wife and daughter is something I can't even explain. We trained hard, gave our all, and deserved this victory. The title is in good hands. Now we're going to rest and celebrate this victory, but our fans can be sure that now the focus has changed, and we'll prepare even better for the Copa RS and the Copa São Paulo," said champion coach Gilmar Popoca.

Now the team will have a few days of rest, and on Wednesday they will return to Ninho do Urubu to begin preparations for the Copa RS, from December 3rd to 18th, and the defense of the Copa São Paulo title, starting on January 2nd, 2017. And the Nação Rubro-Negra can rest assured and be sure that, ace, Flamengo continues to do it at home!

Flamengo entered the field with Gabriel Batista, Klebinho, Dener, Igor and Michael, Artur Bonaldo, Jean Lucas, Gabriel Ramos (Lucas Silva), Gabriel Silva and Matheus Sávio (Fabrício), and Daniel.