In search of another title this season, the Garotos do Ninho begin this Thursday (27) the fight for a place in the grand final of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. At 21 pm, the ball rolls at Barradão for Flamengo and Vitória, for the first match of the semifinal. 

With their best campaign in the competition so far, Flamengo's goal is to secure another qualification. Despite knowing their opponent well, the Flamengos faced each other this year in the Copa do Brasil, coach Marcio Torres prefers to focus on his own team and already knows how to overcome their opponent's strengths.

"They're a team we've already faced in the Copa do Brasil. We drew twice, and we won on penalties, advancing to the quarterfinals. They're a fast, very aggressive team with excellent individual technical skills and a very competent coach. We have to play our fast-transitioning style with quality players up front, and I think it will be a great match," the coach emphasized.

Coach Marcio Torres named the following players for the match:

Dantas, Henrique, Hugo Moura, Hugo Souza, Klebinho, Luiz Henrique, Marx Lenin, Michael, Patrick, Pedro Caracoci, Rafael, Ramon, Reinier, Victor Ricardo, Victor Santana, Vinicius, Vitor Gabriel, Wendel, Yago Darub, Yuri.

The last time Flamengo and Vitória faced each other was also in the knockout stage of the Copa do Brasil, in the second round. Flamengo came out on top on that occasion, securing qualification for the quarterfinals on penalties. After two draws—1-1 at Barradão Stadium, with a goal from Wendel, and 2-2 at Gávea Stadium, with goals from Luiz Henrique and Dantas—Flamengo won the shootout 4-2. 

Palmeiras and Fluminense face off in the competition's other semifinal. The matches will be home and away, including the grand final.