In a decisive national derby for the red-and-blacks' hopes in the Copa Santiago, Flamengo's U-17 team, led by coach Phelipe Leal, had its best performance so far in the competition and, controlling the game from the first minute of play, defeated Palmeiras 2-1 (João Gabriel and Lázaro) on Tuesday night (22). The victory guaranteed the Garotos do Ninho's qualification for the quarterfinals of the tournament in second place in Group A, after victories over Palmeiras and Danúbio (URU), draws against Juventude and Athlético PR, and the defeat in the opening match against Cruzeiro de Santiago. The Mais Querido's opponent in the quarterfinals will be defined after tonight's round. Currently, it would be Sport, currently third in Group B.

The game was poised for decisive play, and the Boys of the Nest entered the field knowing this. So much so that they opened the scoring after just three minutes, when Ítalo, snatching a loose ball from Arthur Chaves, beat his marker, and crossed perfectly for Lázaro. Well positioned, last season's top scorer in the U-16 category headed home his first goal of 2019, giving Flamengo the lead. Flamengo continued to play better and nearly extended their lead in the 15th minute, thanks to another header from Lázaro. This time, goalkeeper Lucas stretched out and made a great save, palming the ball out for a corner.

In the 23rd minute, Flamengo scored their second. Daniel Cabral launched a quick counterattack and sent João Gabriel down the right. The number 11 burst into the box and unleashed a powerful shot, scoring a beautiful goal and extending the lead, giving Flamengo more confidence, who went into the locker room with a healthy lead.

Flamengo continued to dominate the game in the second half. In the ninth minute, Ítalo made a great individual play, dribbling past two defenders and shooting a cross-shot. Lucas made another great save. In the 17th minute, left-back Ítalo, a standout for Flamengo, dispossessed Danilo and passed a through ball to Weverton. The goalkeeper, at the right moment, made the save. 

The red-and-black pressure didn't let up. In the 27th minute, Weverton controlled the ball beautifully and volleyed it in from outside the box, nearly scoring a stunning goal. Lucas palmed it away and made his third great save of the game, saving Palmeiras once again. In the 33rd minute, Sidney stole the ball in the opponent's box and struck dangerously, nearly scoring the third goal for the Boys of the Nest. The ball hit the paint off the Palmeiras post. In Palmeiras' only goal-scoring chance of the entire match, Fabricio converted a penalty kick to reduce the deficit, sealing another red-and-black victory in the Copa Santiago, securing the red-and-black's spot in the quarterfinals.

Flamengo: Bruno, Luis Gustavo (Jhonata), Arthur Chaves, Gabriel Noga, Italo (Caio); Daniel Cabral (Dhouglas), Lucas Gabriel, Yuri de Oliveira (Jean Carlos), João Gabriel, Lázaro (Sidney) and Weverton (Pedro Arthur). Coach: Phelipe Leal.