In a match held this Saturday morning (27), in Gávea, the Under-20 team recovered from the defeat to Olaria in the debut of the second phase of the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament and beat Madureira 2-1 (Bill and Lucas Silva). With the positive result, the Garotos do Ninho reach three points and get closer to the leader Olaria, who has four points after the draw against América. In the next round, Mais Querido visits América, in a match scheduled for Wednesday (31), in Edson Passos.

A victory today was crucial for Flamengo's aspirations in the competition. Aware of this, the team entered the game focused, knowing they would face a dangerous and high-quality opponent, who balanced the game and made the task very difficult for the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved). So much so that the first chance only came in the 20th minute, when Hugo Moura found a good pass through the middle of the opposing defense for Vitor Gabriel. He controlled the ball and shot across goal, but goalkeeper Paulo closed the angle well and made the save.

At 23 minutes, Denilson took a free kick just inches from the edge of the Flamengo penalty area. Alert, Yago Darub made a safe save. The game was tense and very competitive. At 36 minutes, Matheus Dantas took a free kick from midfield and the goalkeeper parried the ball. On the rebound, Vitor Gabriel challenged the defense and Paulo recovered, throwing himself at the ball and deflecting it for a corner. Flamengo tried to apply pressure at the end of the first half. At 39 minutes, Vitor Gabriel was played through and wasted a good opportunity on two occasions. In the first, the defense blocked the shot. Then, with the goalkeeper already beaten, Jordan slid in and saved the team from the Rio suburbs. 

In the next play, the ball went in. Patrick made a beautiful pass to Bill. The agile winger faced the defender, easily passed him, and shot hard. Paulo wasn't able to make the save, and the ball ended up in the back of the net, giving the Flamengo youth team a crucial advantage before halftime. 

In the second half, the pace of the game remained the same. Very balanced, with few scoring opportunities. Madureira threatened in the 15th minute with Yuri Merlin, but his shot went over the goal. In the 32nd minute, Flamengo extended their lead. With his first touch of the ball after coming on for Luiz Henrique, Lucas Silva dribbled past the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the back of the net, giving the Flamengo youth team a comfortable lead. It was his first goal since suffering a serious ankle injury against Corinthians in a Copa do Brasil match in May.

“These were very difficult months. I want to thank God and the Flamengo professionals who supported me throughout this entire period. Without them, I wouldn't be here today. The goal was great, but the most important thing is to return feeling good and confident so I can help my teammates again and, together, achieve our goals at the end of the year,” said an emotional Lucas Silva.

Madureira almost pulled one back in the 36th minute when Rafinha's shot hit the post. On the rebound, Yuri Merlin headed over the goal. Then, in stoppage time, Luan Gomes scored a consolation goal with a beautiful shot from outside the box, bringing the final scoreline to 3-0 at Gávea.

Flamengo: Yago Darub, Vitinho (Aderlan), Matheus Dantas, Patrick, Pablo; Hugo Moura, Henrique (Gabriel Kazu), Luiz Henrique (Lucas Silva); Bill (Yuri), Wendel and Vitor Gabriel (Vitor Ricardo). Coach: Marcio Torres.