In a match played on Wednesday afternoon (17) valid for the first leg of the round of 17 of the U-1 Brazil Cup, the Garotos do Ninho were superior for most of the game and drew 1-25 (Natan) with América MG, at SESC Venda Nova, in the capital of Minas Gerais. The good result obtained away from home gives Mais Querido the chance to qualify for the quarterfinals of the national competition with a simple victory in the return game, scheduled for next Thursday (15), at XNUMX pm, in Gávea. In the event of a new draw, the dispute will go to penalty kicks. 

Before, on Sunday (21), at 15 pm, also in Gávea, the Garotos do Ninho led by coach Phelipe Leal will decide the spot in the final of the State Championship of the category against Fluminense. To fight for the third Rio championship in another final, Rubro-Negro needs a victory by any score. 

The game in Belo Horizonte was evenly matched and fast-paced from the opening whistle. Just three minutes in, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) had their first good opportunity to open the scoring. Gomes received the ball in midfield, drove the ball, and shot low. Goalkeeper Bruno made a good save, palming it away for a corner. In the sixth minute, it was América who threatened, with a Thiago header that went just wide of Pedro Victor's goal. 

The Mais Querido (Most Beloved) created a great chance after a fine exchange of passes. Ítalo played a one-two with Yuri de Oliveira, reached the byline, and sent a low cross into the box. Lázaro got ahead of his marker and shot first-time, but the defender recovered well and blocked the shot. A minute later, Ítalo again appeared, supporting well on the left flank, and delivered a superb cross to Rhyan's head. Unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, the Flamengo center forward wasted the opportunity and headed over the goal.

Pedro Victor stepped up and closed Arthur's corner at the perfect time, preventing the Minas Gerais team from scoring in the 33rd minute. In the 34th minute, Ítalo sent in a low cross, Lázaro challenged the defender, and the ball fell to Rhyan. He shot, and the ball had already passed the opposing goalkeeper, but defender Gustavo made a saving tackle, preventing the Mais Querido's first goal of the match. Gomes then took a shot from outside the box, and the ball threatened the American goal. In the final play of the first half, Lázaro struck from the edge of the box; the ball deflected off the defense and scared goalkeeper Bruno.

And in the first half of the second half, América nearly opened the scoring. In a quick counterattack following a corner kick from the red-and-blacks, Ruan Nilson took the shot, Pedro Victor made a partial save, and Sidney saved on the line after sprinting the entire field, keeping the score tied. In the 13th minute, Lázaro crossed and Weverton, with his first touch of the ball coming off the bench, nearly opened the scoring. But Bruno, well-positioned, made the save with ease. 

In the 17th minute, Yuri de Oliveira made a beautiful individual play, passing his marker and breaking into the box. But his shot was weak, making Bruno's save easy. In the next attack, América opened the scoring with a goal from Gustavinho. The equalizer came in the 31st minute. After a corner kick, the ball crossed the box and fell to Natan. Well positioned inside the box, the red-and-black captain calmly controlled the ball and had the skill and skill to finish without Bruno having a chance, leveling the score again. 

Flamengo dominated the field physically and tried to turn the game around at any cost. And it almost came in the 43rd minute, when João Gabriel passed to Lucas Gabriel, who burst into the box as a surprise man. The pass came a little behind; he attempted a backheel but was smothered by the opposing defense. In the 49th minute, João Gabriel received the ball from Pedro Arthur and shot, but Bruno made a solid save. 

Coach: Phelipe Leal.