Flamengo's U-17 team traveled to Nova Serrana, in the interior of Minas Gerais, knowing they needed to score at least one goal in the second leg of their Copa do Brasil quarterfinal against Cruzeiro, following a 1-1 draw last week at Ilha do Urubu. With a strong attitude and tactical organization, the "Garotos do Ninho" (the "Ninho Boys") took control of the match, opening the scoring in the first half, defeating the Minas Gerais team 1-0 (Patrick), and securing their place in the semifinals of the category's top national competition. Next week, "Mais Querido" (the "Most Beloved") begins its match against Palmeiras, playing in São Paulo, in the fight for a spot in the tournament's grand final. The second leg is initially scheduled for November 15th at Ilha do Urubu. Corinthians and Chapecoense face off in the tournament's other semifinal.

The Garotos do Ninho's first good scoring chance came in the seventh minute. Patrick delivered a great pass through the middle of the defense to Vitor Gabriel. The center forward hit a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Brazão made a great save, saving Cruzeiro. Flamengo continued to press. In the 7th minute, Yuri was released into the box and was awarded a penalty. Captain Patrick fired a superb shot, opening the scoring for the Garotos do Ninho. In the 17th minute, Ramon arrived powerfully at the byline and hit a cross, forcing another good save from Brazão. 

Cruzeiro threatened in the 27th minute with a cross-shot, but Wesley, who had just finished third in the U-17 World Cup with the Brazilian national team in India, made a good save and cleared the danger from the red-and-black box. In the 31st minute, Ramon took a free kick, Vitor Gabriel headed it, and once again Brazão flew to save the blue team. Cruzeiro scored the second in the 34th minute with a header from Natan, but the referee signaled a controversial foul and disallowed the red-and-black goal. Even so, Cruzeiro went to the locker room with the advantage.

Flamengo had the first good chance of the second half. Ramon made a great play on the right wing and crossed to Patrick's head. The header was powerful, but it was in the middle of the goal, making it easy for Brazão to save, who palmed it away for a corner. Flamengo nearly extended their lead in the 21st minute. Vitor Gabriel was released and battled the defense until the end. He won the battle and back-heeled the ball to Yuri, who arrived a second too late and saw Mateus Soares clear the danger. In the 25th minute, Wendel received the ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot. Brazão palmed it away again for a corner. 

The game was tense and fiercely contested. In the 41st minute, Flamengo wasted a great chance to kill the game when Luan received the ball, cut past the goalkeeper, and took too long to finish, only to be blocked by the defense. Cruzeiro had the last chance of the game in stoppage time. Victor Hugo tried to clear the ball from the box, but the ball fell to the Cruzeiro striker, who, with an open goal, shot wide. Then, they held on to the ball until the final whistle and celebrated, with a bang, qualifying for the semifinals of the U-17 Brazil Cup!

"We won because we deserve to be in this semifinal. We work hard, day after day, we're proud to wear the Sacred Mantle, and we want to win this title for the immense nation that always supports us. We're stronger than ever for the next stage of this competition. We respect our opponents, but we want the title," said full-back Wesley.

Flamengo: Victor Hugo, Wesley, Natan (Yuri de Oliveira), Patrick, Ramon, Henrique, Matheus Alves, Vitor Ricardo (Luan), Yuri (Leandro), Wendel (Pablo) and Vitor Gabriel (Rhyan). Coach: Marcio Torres