Current champion, leader and undefeated in the competition, the Mais Querido under-16 team faces Botafogo this Thursday (28), at 15 pm, at CEFAT, in Várzea das Moças, Niterói. Tomorrow's classic is valid for the 7ª round of the Guilherme Embry Tournament, but it is seen as an early “final” of the round. 

Leading the competition alongside Botafogo with 17 points, the direct confrontation against the black and white team is seen as a 6-point game, as highlighted by striker Lázaro, who scored two goals in the victory over Barra da Tijuca in the last round.

"A derby is always big, it's different. As Ramom tells us, it's a 6-point game; we win 3 and take 3 from our opponent. We're very focused, our attention has to be intense; in a derby, any factor can decide the match. Our team is coming on strong, and by coming away with the win, we're a big step toward the title."

If Flamengo wins tomorrow's derby, they will secure a commanding lead at the top of the standings, virtually guaranteeing the symbolic title of the first round and a spot in the final triangular tournament. After Thursday's match, two more rounds will remain. Flamengo will host Boavista in Gávea and close the first round with an away match against Piscinão de Ramos at Leônidas da Silva Stadium in Bonsucesso.

Anderson, Bernardo, Bruno, Caio, Dhouglas, Felipinho, Gabriel Borsatto, Gabriel Noga, Hugo, Igor Jectan, Jean Carlos, Jhonata, Lazaro, Marcos Felipe, Mayquinho, Otavio, Peçanha, Pedro Arthur, Rykelmo, Samuel and Vinicius.