On a scorching morning at the Vargens Training Center in Rio de Janeiro's west zone, another double round of the Copa Rio was played this Saturday (05), this time against Bangu. To open the proceedings, the U-15 team, led by Leonardo Cherede, took the field, largely dominating the match, but winning by a tight 2-1 (Victor and Gustavo). The victory – the third in the first three rounds of the competition – keeps the Garotos do Ninho with the best record in the Copa Rio, and at the top of the tournament. Next, the Garotos do Ninho U-16 team, led by Leo Ramos, who are competing in the Copa Rio U-17, also took the field. In a very tight and contested game, they tied 1-1 (Vinicius) again against Bangu, a score that allowed Flamengo to reach five points and also remain undefeated in the competition. 

After thrashing Volta Redonda and Portuguesa 5-0 and 6-1, respectively, in the first two rounds, Mengão's U-15s entered the field at the Vargens Training Center for the match against Bangu severely depleted. For various reasons, at least six starters missed the match today. Of particular note was striker Bill, who missed the match for a very noble reason: a call-up to the Brazilian national team. 

Flamengo completely dominated the game from the opening whistle. However, Bangu goalkeeper Antônio delivered a standout performance, making several difficult saves, keeping the score at 0-0 until the 25th minute of the first half. That's when Gustavo, the man of the match, delivered a perfect corner kick for defender Victor to finally open the scoring. 

Just two minutes into the second half, Gustavo extended the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box. Five minutes in, Bangu pulled one back with a header from defender Vitor Hugo. From then on, the game opened up, with both teams looking to attack. In the final minutes, Bangu held on to their advantage and left the field with their third win in three matches in the competition, maintaining their 100% record and remaining top of the Copa Rio.

Flamengo: Alysson, Joaquim, Eduardo Gonçalves, Victor, Gladson; Luis Guilherme, Gustavo, Leonardo; Felipe, Dudu and Lorran. Coach: Leonardo Cherede. 

Immediately afterward, it was the U-16s' turn, representing the Rubro-Negro in the U-17 competition. In a much tougher match, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) fell behind, came back in the second half putting intense pressure on their opponents, and then sought an equalizer late in the match with a beautiful goal from Vinícius, who displayed great skill and composure to tap the ball into the back of the net. After the final whistle, the 1-1 draw kept Mengão in the semifinals with five points, and they are still undefeated in the competition, with one win and two draws. 

Flamengo: Gustavo Jundi, Kayan, Diego Clemente, Iago, Eduardo Gabriel; Vitor, Euder, Vinicius; Adriel, Italo Gomes and Lucas Matheus. Coach: Leo Ramos.

The two categories return to the field next Saturday (12), when they visit Fluminense, in Xerém. FlaTV broadcasts both games.