In one of the best games of the current Brazilian football season so far, Flamengo and São Paulo drew 3-3 (JP, Mateusão ​​and Matheus Gonçalves) in the first leg of the Brazilian Under-17 Championship semifinal, played on Saturday afternoon (24) at CT de Cotia, in the city of São Paulo. The result takes the decision of the place in the grand final of the Brasileirão to the second leg, scheduled for Estádio da Gávea, next Saturday (31), at 14 pm, once again with live broadcast on SporTV. Mengão fights for the second Brazilian championship in the category. 

São Paulo took the lead three minutes into the match, with a shot from the edge of the box by Kayque Ryann. In the seventh minute, Petterson's cross-shot was deflected by the defense. In the 13th minute, after a blunder in the red-and-blacks' clearance, the home team extended their lead with Caio. 

Flamengo, boasting the best campaign of the competition, remained undeterred and went on the attack. In the 26th minute, Matheus França burst into the box and crossed to Mateusão. The Mengão striker battled with the defense, shot blocked, and the ball grazed goalkeeper Leandro's left post. From the corner kick, JP positioned himself well at the far post and had only to head it into the net. Flamengo came back into the game and went in search of an equalizer, which nearly came in style in the 30th minute. Petterson took a corner kick and nearly scored a stunning goal. The ball hit the São Paulo post. The defense then cleared it.

The Ninho Boys dominated the game, and the equalizer was not long in coming. In the 35th minute, Matheus Gonçalves made another great individual play in the championship, and even though he was down, he managed to cross for Mateusão ​​to score, leveling the score. And Flamengo was looking for a comeback. In the 39th minute, Matheus França challenged the goalkeeper and narrowly avoided seeing the ball go into the back of the net. In the 41st minute, there was no way out. In a beautiful counterattack, Petterson crossed, Mateusão ​​set up a cutback, and Matheus Gonçalves slotted it home. Maias Querido went into halftime ahead in Cotia.

In the second half, the game was more even and tense, with few scoring chances. São Paulo created a threat in the 25th minute, when Newerton's cross shot was deflected by JP. In the 35th minute, there was a clear penalty on Petterson, which the referee didn't award. In stoppage time, Eduardo Brito tied the game. The final spot will be decided next Saturday (31), in Gávea. Let's go, Ninho Boys!

Flamengo: Dyogo Alves, Samuel, JP, Darlan, Ze Wellinton; Vitor Muller, Dudu (Rodriguinho), Matheus França; Matheus Gonçalves, Petterson and Mateusão ​​(João Filipe). Coach: Mario Jorge.