It was a performance that filled the Red-Black Nation with pride. In a match played on a rainy Thursday afternoon (19) in Gávea, and valid for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Under-17 Championship, the team led by coach Ramon Lima received Palmeiras, owner of the second best overall campaign in the group stage. With a gala collective performance and great technical quality, the Garotos do Ninho won 5-2 (Matheus França, Werton, Will, João Pedro and Michel own) and opened an excellent advantage in the fight for a place in the semifinals. The return game is scheduled for next Monday (23) at 15 pm, at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo. 

The game

Palmeiras opened the scoring four minutes into the match with Vitor Hugo. In the 12th minute, Flamengo threatened for the first time, with a beautiful first-time shot from Matheus França from the edge of the box. Goalkeeper Natan flew and made a great save, palming the ball away for a corner. In the 25th minute, Flamengo equalized in an unusual move. With the ball under control and unpressured, Palmeiras defender Michel tried to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper and tapped it into the back of the net. 

The Boys of the Nest went on the attack in search of a comeback, which nearly came in the 29th minute. Mateus Dias made a great individual play, got past his marker, burst into the box, and fired a deft shot. The ball would have gone into the left corner, but Natan made another great save, preventing the Mais Querido's second goal of the game. Palmeiras threatened again late in the first half with a header from Ruan Ribeiro.

Mengão started the second half better, creating two excellent chances in the first minute, with João Pedro and then Mateus Dias. Palmeiras saved both. A minute later, Victor Hugo burst into the box at speed and was brought down by Thiago, who was sent off. Will perfectly curled the free kick into the top corner, putting Flamengo ahead. 

Shortly after, Flamengo extended their lead in style. Cleiton won the ball in the air from a corner kick in the 13th minute, and Mateus Dias' shot hit the crossbar. The rebound fell to Matheus França, who stylishly slotted it into the top corner, scoring another stunning goal on a rainy afternoon at Gávea. But Flamengo wanted more. In the 16th minute, Will shot from inside the box and had his shot blocked. João Pedro fired the rebound wide. In the 19th minute, they turned the game around. On a quick counterattack, Victor Hugo delivered a beautiful pass to Werton, who had just come on. He skillfully tapped the ball past the goalkeeper to score Flamengo's fourth goal.

Palmeiras pulled one back in the 22nd minute, thanks to a penalty kick from Ruan Ribeiro. The game was frenetic. In the 26th minute, Victor Hugo made another great play and passed the ball to João Pedro, who struck first-time, leaving Natan with no chance to save. It was the fifth goal for Palmeiras of the match, capping off a great performance by the Boys from the Nest at Gávea.

Flamengo: Kauã, Breno, Diego, Cleiton, Richard Almeida; Dudu (Vitor Muller), Matheus França, Victor Hugo (Petterson); Will, João Pedro and Mateus Dias (Werton). Coach: Ramon Lima.