Flamengo's under-16 team beat Barra da Tijuca 1-0, with a goal by Felipinho, on Thursday morning (06), in a match held at Arena Interfut, in Barra da Tijuca. With the victory, the Mais Querido reached 15 points and took the lead in the return leg of the Guilherme Embry Tournament, leaving Botafogo and Fluminense behind. Alvinegros and Tricolores faced each other yesterday and drew, with the teams sharing second place with 14 points. Mengão's next match in the competition will be against Botafogo, next Wednesday (12), at 9 am, in Gávea. 

It is worth mentioning that the final triangular, which will decide the champion of the Guilherme Embry Tournament (state under-16 category), will be disputed by the champion of the return leg, Botafogo, champion of the first leg, and the team that has obtained the best score, adding the points gained in the two qualifying phases of the first leg and second leg.

The match began with both teams studying each other and not giving their opponents any openings. Barra da Tijuca set up two lines of four well-positioned players in front of the box, leaving no room for them. Flamengo tried to create chances with passing and switching, making the opposing team wobble, but their defense prevailed.

The first good chance of the match came in the 9th minute. Barra came in from the left with a cross shot, which Bernardo had to deflect for a corner. Soon after, the Ninho Boys responded with Samuel. The number 7 received a good pass on the left and, unmarked, shot off balance wide.

The match was all about Flamengo finding space, passing the ball around, and turning the game around. At times, defender Otavio found himself free to support from the left. In the 18th minute, with the ball recovered in midfield, Peçanha took the ball and attempted a long-range shot, which was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Near the end of the first half, Weverton almost opened the scoring. Caio delivered a cross from the edge of the box, and the number 9 deflected it lightly past the goalkeeper, who could only watch the play unfold.

After the break, coach Ramom Lima decided to push the red-and-black team forward. He took off midfielder Rykelmo and brought on midfielder Mayquinho. The number 16's introduction changed the team's appearance, making them more incisive and more dangerous. Just two minutes in, Dhouglas won the ball back at the edge of the box and took a shot with his left foot. Barra da Tijuca responded with a good shot from almost the edge of the box. Bernardo was alert to make the save.

The team's change of heart was clear with the introduction of Mayquinho, who had escaped Barra's marking. In the 11th minute, he passed a beautiful ball to Samuel, who laid it off to Peçanha. The number 10 struck hard on goal, but the opposing goalkeeper made the save. Flamengo's pressure would pay off in the following minute. Goalkeeper Bernardo sent a long ball forward, and Peçanha managed to pass it to Felipinho, who was free on the right. The number 11 had no choice but to pick the left corner to open the scoring at the Interfut Arena.

After conceding the goal, Barra da Tijuca retreated even further in defense and attempted to exploit counterattacks. Flamengo put intense pressure on Barra da Tijuca in their own half, but were unable to convert their chances into goals. In the 34th minute, Samuel nearly extended Mengão's lead with a beautiful shot from outside the box. Flamengo's pressure was constant, but the 1-0 victory was enough to put the Garotos do Ninho in the lead of the Guilherme Embry Tournament.