The fifth-place team in the World Championship could only have confirmed its status as the best team in Rio. The final blow came this Saturday morning (15), after a comfortable 5-1 victory (Oliveira, Richard, João Pedro, Jean Sales, and Werton) over Botafogo in a derby held at Gávea. With this result, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys), who demonstrated tremendous physical, technical, and tactical superiority throughout the match, reached 47 points in just 17 games, with an incredible record of 15 wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring 53 goals and conceding only 11. Vasco da Gama can no longer be overtaken by second-placed Vasco da Gama. Furthermore, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) secured the advantage of playing with two equal results in the State semifinal against the fourth-place team, which would currently be Botafogo, in addition to the right to always play the return leg at Gávea, should they qualify for the overall final of the competition.

The Boys from the Nest took the field hungry for the Guanabara Cup title, and within ten minutes of play, they were already leading 2-0. The first goal was a true wonder. Oliveira drove the ball through the opposing defense and unleashed a left-footed volley that went into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Marcelo with no chance. The second came on the following play. This time, left-back Richard controlled the ball inside the box and fired a cross-shot. The ball hit the post before going in. 

Flamengo dominated the entire first half and missed good chances to extend their lead. Just before halftime, in the 41st minute, Botafogo pulled one back with a beautiful goal from Matheus Nascimento. Even before the final whistle, the Red-Blacks had another clear chance. João Pedro took a free kick inside the box, which Felippe headed. Unmarked inside the six-yard box and completely in control of the play, he flicked the ball lightly, which bounced off the crossbar before going out over the goal line.

With redoubled attention, the "Garotos do Ninho" returned to the field for the second half to claim the title. Just three minutes in, Victor Hugo made a brilliant move, slotted into the box, and crossed perfectly for João Pedro, who was well-placed, to score the third. In the 30th minute, the rout turned. Jean Sales, who had recently come on, beat his marker and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to score the fourth. The fifth was a masterpiece. Werton picked up the ball on the left flank of the attack, dribbled past the entire Botafogo defense, and capped off a campaign worthy of a championship team with a flourish. Then, it was just a matter of waiting for the final whistle to celebrate the title. 

The champions will have the next round off and will return to the field just to fulfill their schedule and receive the trophy on the 29th, against Portuguesa, in Gávea, at 15 pm.

"I can only thank these boys for everything they've done and continue to do for me since I arrived at the club. I'm incredibly proud to be able to spend time with them all on a daily basis. I'm thrilled with this achievement, in such an important and captivating competition as the Guanabara Cup, which lasts eight long months and rewards consistency throughout, as we've led the championship from start to finish. This title successfully completes the development of this team, but it doesn't yet give us our ultimate goal, which is winning the State Championship. We'll wait to determine our semifinal opponent and train hard to pursue this trophy for Gávea," said coach Mario Jorge.

Flamengo: Christian, Samuel, Diego (Kayque), Kaiky, Richard; Jorge, Daniel Campos (Ryan Matheus), Victor Hugo (Werton); Oliveira (Pedrinho), João Pedro (Quintino) and Felippe (Jean Sales). Coach: Mario Jorge.