In the first leg of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship semifinal played on Sunday afternoon (10), at Parque São Jorge, in São Paulo, the Garotos do Ninho had to overcome their opponent and also questionable refereeing decisions. In the end, a red-black victory based on overcoming and tactical and technical imposition. The 2-1 score (Yuri César and Rodrigo Muniz) gives Mais Querido the advantage of playing the second leg, scheduled for next Sunday (17) at Kleber Andrade Stadium, in Cariacica, with the advantage of a draw to guarantee a place in another national final in the 2019 season.

The game was very even. Playing away from home, the "Garotos do Ninho" managed to withstand the initial pressure imposed by their opponent without any major scares, and with their first significant attack, they opened the scoring. In the 24th minute, Wendel received a pass, beat the defense with speed, dribbled past goalkeeper Guilherme, and was only stopped when the goalkeeper conceded a penalty. Yuri Cesar converted with precision and scored his tenth goal in the Brasileirão U-20, becoming the club's top scorer in the competition.

After the goal, Flamengo grew in the game and began to dominate. In two consecutive moves, in the 27th and 28th minutes, Vitor Gabriel shot dangerously, nearly extending the Mais Querido's lead in the first half. In the 37th minute, however, the referee awarded a dubious penalty in favor of Corinthians. Nathan converted and tied the game. Flamengo continued to dominate the field, and in the 41st minute, Yuri Cesar's cross-shot hit Guilherme's post, the last scoring chance of the first half.

Flamengo went in search of victory in the second half. In the ninth minute, Luiz Henrique found Vitor Gabriel unmarked inside the box, but his shot went wide of the Corinthians goal. The pressure was intense as they sought victory. In the 31st minute, Guilherme Bala made a great individual play and crossed into the box. Vitor Gabriel headed the ball into the corner, but goalkeeper Guilherme made another excellent save, palming it away for a corner. 

In the 35th minute, Ítalo beat the defense and passed to Luiz Henrique, who fired a well-placed shot. The ball was headed for the top corner, but deflected off the defender's head and went out for a corner. A minute later, Corinthians nearly scored, but Hugo Souza stepped up, made a stunning save, and kept the score tied. But only for a short time. In the 45th minute, Wendel delivered a perfect cross to Rodrigo Muniz. The division's top scorer this season positioned himself well and headed the ball out of reach of Guilherme, who retrieved the ball from the back of the net. The goal that sealed another victory for Corinthians in the Brazilian Championship was Rodrigo Muniz's 27th in 2019.

Coach: Mauricio Souza.