Safety. That was the key word in the red-black team's 3-0 victory over Cabofriense (Luiz Henrique, Yuri and Marx Lenin) on Wednesday afternoon (21), in a match played at the Alair Corrêa Stadium (Correão) in Cabo Frio, valid for the sixth round of the Guanabara Cup U-20. Far superior to their opponent throughout the game and controlling the match from start to finish, the Garotos do Ninho also had a penalty save from Hugo Souza to win their fifth match in six games in the State Championship so far, a result that puts the team back in the lead of Group A with 15 points, ahead of Vasco and Volta Redonda, who both have 13 points. In the last round of the first-round classification phase, the Mais Querido will host Volta Redonda in Gávea, next Saturday (24), at 15 pm. With a draw, they will qualify for the semifinals. If they win, they guarantee the top spot in the group, and the advantage of playing the single semifinal game at home and with the draw in their favor next midweek.

Fan club members get more Flamengo on the field: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and structure to the training center! Click and feel the pride of being a fan club member.

Flamengo started the game better and nearly opened the scoring after just five minutes. Braian received a great pass from Bernardo and crossed perfectly for Wendel, but his shot went over Vinicius's goal. The next chance, the ball went in. Wendel crossed into the box, and Luiz Henrique appeared unmarked at the penalty spot to score the first goal for the Garotos do Ninho. Flamengo continued to dominate and created another good chance in the 17th minute. Bill faced his marker on the right wing and crossed into the box. The ball fell to Yuri, who laid it off for Theo. The shot was powerful, but wide of the home team's goal. 

Cabofriense took the lead in the 30th minute, thanks to a fine individual play by Bruno. The shot was powerful, but Hugo Souza made a good save. Hugo Moura finished and cleared the danger from the red-and-black area. In the 39th minute, Yuri found Theo, who was well positioned in the opponent's box as a surprise man. He controlled the ball with skill on his chest, spun around the defender, and struck a shot without much force. Goalkeeper Vinicius scared the home crowd and almost swallowed a chicken, but recovered in time to prevent the Mais Querido's second goal of the match, which would have come soon after. 

In the 41st minute, Wendel led a counterattack with speed and skill in the center of the field, dribbling past two defenders and passing to Yuri. The midfielder controlled the ball, putting it in front of the defender, and then firing a low left-footed shot into the corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance, giving Rubro-Negro more control and opening up the lead. 

The second half started evenly, and nine minutes into the match, the referee signaled a penalty by Pablo on striker Lyniker. He took the penalty himself, and Hugo Souza shone. First, by saving the shot. Then, on the rebound, showing great reflexes and speed even while prone, taking the ball from the striker's feet, who was preparing to roll it into the empty net. The goalkeeper shone again in the 23rd minute, winning another personal duel with Lyniker. Set off at speed, the striker attempted a chip, but Hugo Souza towered once again, stretching his arms to make the save and then control the ball. On the next play, Flamengo nearly scored a third. Yuri crossed, the ball went past the goalkeeper, and Bill arrived a second too late.

But the best was yet to come. In the 42nd minute, Marx Lenin, who had come off the bench, unleashed a powerful shot from midfield and found the back of the net, scoring a tremendous goal that drew applause even from the Cabofriense fans and sealed the victory for the Garotos do Ninho, who remain firmly on their way to the Guanabara Cup semifinals. 

Flamengo: Hugo Souza, Braian, Bernardo, Aderlan (Matheus Dantas), Pablo (Michael), Hugo Moura, Theo (Marx Lenin), Yuri (Samuel), Luiz Henrique, Bill and Wendel (Vitor Ricardo). Coach: Mauricio Souza.