The Garotos do Ninho hosted Bahia on Thursday afternoon (04), in Gávea, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil U-20. More experienced and current runner-up in the competition, the Bahian team imposed many difficulties on the Mais Querido and played a very balanced match. But in the end, the security of the defensive sector and the great individual quality of the red-black players made the difference, and the important 1-0 victory, with the goal scored by Vinícius Junior. Without conceding a goal at home, it gives Flamengo the advantage of a draw for the return match, which will be played next Wednesday (10), at 16 pm, at the Pituaçu Stadium, in Salvador.

Before that, the young red-black athletes will face the classic against Fluminense, valid for the first round of the Rio Cup. In principle, the confrontation is confirmed for next Sunday (07), at 10 am, in Gávea.

Flamengo dominated the first half and created the best chances. In the 12th minute, Vinícius Junior took a free kick from the front, and Dener headed it in, forcing the goalkeeper to make his first good save. In the 16th minute, Lincoln left Vinícius Junior one-on-one with the goal, but he shot straight at goalkeeper Deijair, saving the Bahia club. In the 19th minute, it was Bahia's turn to create danger, but Gabriel Batista made a great save. In the 33rd minute, Gabriel Silva took a dangerous shot from outside the box. In the 35th minute, the Mais Querido created their best chance of the first half. After a free kick, Lincoln headed the ball unmarked, almost on the edge of the six-yard box, but the ball capriciously went inches wide. 

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The second half started with a scare. In the third minute, Bahia launched a strong attacking move, with great speed, and hit the ball against goalkeeper Gabriel Batista's right post. Soon after, the "Garotos do Ninho" opened the scoring in style. Jean Lucas passed to Lincoln, who advanced and delivered a superb pass to Vinícius Junior, who fired a left-footed shot into the net for a stunning goal. From then on, Flamengo began to play confidently. In the 3th minute, Lucas Silva took a long-range shot and nearly scored the second. In the 18th minute, Bahia threatened again. A free kick from the edge of the box hit the post. Kauê headed the ball over the bar. In the final minute, Flamengo had a chance to extend their lead when Vinícius Junior burst into the box and Lincoln burst through the middle, but the defense blocked the pass.

"A very important victory for our team. The fact that we didn't concede a goal at home is crucial. We had chances to score a second, but we're aware that we're up against a great team, and the advantage of a draw will be crucial for the return leg next week," said Vinícius Junior, who scored the beautiful winning goal for the red-and-blacks.

Flamengo took to the field with Gabriel Batista, Kleber (Wesley), Dener, Rafael, Michael, Theo (Vinicius Souza), Jean Lucas, Lucas Silva, Gabriel Silva (João Pedro), Vinicius Junior (Patrick) and Lincoln. Coach: Gilmar Popoca.