The U-20 Guanabara Cup title is long gone, but the technical and tactical superiority of the Ninho Boys over their biggest rivals remains in the category. Just ten days after celebrating winning the Guanabara Cup at São Januário Stadium, coach Mauricio Souza's men returned to Vasco's stadium on Wednesday morning (19) for the Rio Cup debut, and once again left the field celebrating a great performance and a beautiful victory. The 3-0 score (Vitor Gabriel [2] and Bill) reflects the game, which Flamengo completely dominated from the second half of the first half. 

Wanting to also win the Rio Cup and become two-time Rio de Janeiro champions without having to play in the final, the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) is off to a strong start in the second half of the season, returning to action on the 29th, when they visit Americano in Campos. Before that, however, the Garotos do Ninho (Nest Boys) make their Brazilian Championship debut on the 25th, also playing away from home, against Coritiba.

Vasco had the first chance of the game in the third minute, with a powerful shot from outside the box by Caio Lopes. Alert and well-positioned, goalkeeper Victor Hugo made a good save and palmed the ball out for a corner. In the 15th minute, after a good attacking triangulation, Talles followed up with a sliding tackle from inside the six-yard box, and Victor Hugo shone once again, making a phenomenal save and keeping the score tied. The following minute, Vasco went on the attack and responded well, with a Vinicius Souza header saved by Alexander.

The derby was very evenly matched, and the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) opened the scoring in the 38th minute. In a quick counterattack, Yuri arrived at the back of the net with lightning speed and crossed for Bill. He intelligently controlled the ball and fired a cross that left Alexander with no chance of stopping, but he went to retrieve the ball from the back of the net. Flamengo grew in the game. In the 41st minute, Yuri exchanged passes with Vitor Gabriel and shot low, but the goalkeeper made a solid save. The last chance before halftime also fell to Flamengo. In stoppage time, Yuri crossed and Bill fired a first-time shot past Alexander, who made a great save.

The Mais Querido came back stronger in the second half and quickly killed the game. Ten minutes in, Yuri delivered a perfect corner kick to Vitor Gabriel, who rose with style and headed it in for the Garotos do Ninho's second goal of the derby. The third came soon after. Yuri made a great play and left Vitor Gabriel one-on-one with the goal. With great composure and skill, he slotted the ball past Alexander, giving the Garotos do Ninho much more confidence in the game. 

Vasco went on the attack in search of a consolation goal, and that's when goalkeeper Victor Hugo shone. In the 37th minute, Lucas Santos shot from inside the box into the corner, but the goalkeeper made the save. A minute later, Laranjeira unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, and Victor Hugo flew into the top corner and palmed it away for a corner, ensuring the red-and-black defense remained intact in the Taça Rio debut.

Flamengo: Victor Hugo, Matheus França, Natan, Lucas Freitas, Ramon; Vinicius Souza (Matheus Alves), Gomes (Marx Lenin), Luiz Henrique (Henrique); Bill (Vitor Ricardo), Yuri (Wendel) and Vitor Gabriel (Rodrigo Muniz). Coach: Mauricio Souza.