Flamengo's U-20 team faced Botafogo this Saturday at 16 p.m. at the Gávea headquarters to win this year's Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG). In the first leg last Saturday (November 16.11), Flamengo had won 2-1 and needed a draw this Saturday (November 23.11) to secure the title. Flamengo put up a fight, and the title didn't come easily to Botafogo. The boys won 3-2 in regulation time and took the match to penalties. In the alternate shootout, Flamengo lost 7-8.

The game was played in front of a large crowd, nearly filling the stands and constantly singing and cheering for the red-and-black team. In the first half, the "Mais Querido" won 1-0, with a goal from midfielder Jajá, who came on as a substitute for right-back Romário Perelli. The number 15's goal came from a header, following a cross from striker Igor Sartori. The team also created two other clear chances. In the first, Eduardo nearly scored, but the ball went just wide of the black-and-white goalkeeper's right post. In the second, Fernandinho's long-range shot went just wide. Despite the red-and-black dominance, goalkeeper Luan saved the red-and-black goal on two occasions with sensational saves.

Botafogo came back stronger in the second half and equalized in the 11th minute, but in the 35th minute, top scorer Eduardo put Flamengo back in front. The goal came after a beautiful play by Thiago, who burst into the box, flicked the ball past the Alvinegro defender, and hit the crossbar. The number 9 scored on the rebound. Two minutes after creating the chance for Eduardo, Thiago pounced on a rebound after a rebound in the box to extend the lead to 3-1. In stoppage time, in the 47th minute, Botafogo scored and took the match to penalties. In the shootout, the Alvinegro prevailed, scoring eight times, compared to seven for the Mais Querido.

"The game was really intense, as we predicted. We managed to score by two goals, and Botafogo scored their goal in the 47th minute of the second half and took the decision to penalties. It was very similar to what happened last year, only this time, it went our way. Kudos to Botafogo, who managed to excel in the penalty shootout and came out champions," said coach Cleber dos Santos.

Now, the Gávea boys' focus is on the Brazilian Under-20 Championship in December and the São Paulo Cup in January. Cleber dos Santos will separate the squad into two groups: one for the Brazilian Championship, with the older players born in 1993, and the rest for preparation for the São Paulo Cup. The final decision will be made starting next Tuesday (November 26.11), when the squad will rejoin.