Flamengo's under-20 soccer team is enjoying a strong run. With a seven-game unbeaten run in the Carioca de Juniores, Marcelo Buarque's men need only a draw against Cabofriense to secure a spot in the Guanabara Cup semifinals.

"We're going into the game as always, playing to win. If we win, we can finish first in the Guanabara Cup; if we draw, we've already secured our spot. Even if we lose, we could secure our spot depending on a combination of results. We've achieved this throughout the championship," explained Marcelo.

The youth coach has nothing but praise for the team's starting striker, Douglas Baggio. The youngster, who even made it onto the field for the seniors in last Sunday's match (16.03) against Bangu, has nine goals in the U-20 Carioca, three behind the competition's top scorer so far, Marlon, from Nova Iguaçu.

"Douglas is a player with great potential, an athlete who knows how to score goals. I've seen many in that role, and he's one of the strikers I've worked with who has the most ability. He has everything it takes to have a very good career from now on. We still have one more round in this state championship, and he'll definitely be fighting for the top scorer spot," he said.

The match against the team from Região dos Lagos is scheduled for next Saturday (22.03), at 11 am, at the Nivaldo Pereira stadium.