The big moment for the U-20 category in 2023 has arrived! Since the beginning of preparations in February, the goal was clear for the committee and athletes: to seek the second Brazilian Championship title. And the chance is this Thursday (07), at 11 am (Brasília time), at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium, in Volta Redonda, against Palmeiras, in the competition's only final. With free admission, the Nation will be alongside the Garotos do Ninho, who completed their final training session in preparation for this holiday's big game.

The match is being hosted by Flamengo, as the team led by Mario Jorge achieved its best campaign in the national championship for the third consecutive season (and the second under the current coaching staff). There were 13 matches, including the group stage, where Mengão led Group A with 21 points: 10 wins, 3 losses, 26 goals scored, and 16 conceded. Petterson is the competition's second-highest scorer with 7 goals and Flamengo's top scorer. Lorran leads the category's scoring charts with 12 goals.

One of the squad's leaders, and with 15 goal participations in 2023, with 5 goals and 10 assists (he scored twice in the knockout stage), Werton spoke about preparing for the decision.

"Our preparation was very good. We have a very strong team that has been playing together for many years. And throughout the week, we worked hard to arrive well prepared for another final, and fight until the end to come away with the title!" said the striker. 

Flamengo and Palmeiras meet again in the Brasileirão U-20 final. In 2019, Mengão defeated the São Paulo team 3-0 in the decisive second leg, after losing the first leg 1-0. Yuri César, Wendel, and Guilherme scored the goals in the Rubro-Negra's first title, which also featured Hugo Souza, João Gomes, Rodrigo Muniz, Natan, and Lázaro. In addition to the first team's second Libertadores title, the year was notable for the unification of the national titles at the professional, U-20, and U-17 levels. Defender Diegão, who played for the U-2019 team in 17, is currently a regular starter for the U-20 team. 

The Boys of the Nest have 23 titles this season, aiming to surpass the record of 44 trophies from 2022. The U-20 team is seeking its first of the year, after coming close to defeat in the Campeonato Carioca. The motivation to honor the Mengão Mantle is written in the DNA of the Rubro-Negros athletes, who, with grit and passion, will go after this victory tomorrow morning. 

Let's go Flamengo!