The Boys of the Nest were able to control the momentum of the strong Atlético MG team and their fans, who turned out in great numbers at Arena Independência on Thursday night (June 08.06) for the first leg of the U-20 Brazil Cup final (paying attendance was 10.327). With a goal from defender Bernardo, Flamengo took the lead and had chances to win the game, but the final score of 1-1, although not a concrete advantage, since the away goals rule does not apply in the tournament final, gives the Mais Querido the chance to decide the competition at home, with the full support of the Rubro-Negra Nation. Furthermore, it keeps the team undefeated in the competition, with 5 wins and 3 draws. The second and decisive duel will take place at Ilha do Urubu, with the date and time yet to be determined.

Both teams started the first 90 minutes of the final somewhat tensely. The game was very tight, played between the midfielders, with virtually no scoring chances. Atlético's first chance came in the 11th minute, with a shot from outside the box that sailed over the goal. The Red-Blacks took even longer, only taking their first shot in the 29th minute, without threatening Atlético's goal. From the 30th minute onwards, with their game more relaxed, the Boys from the Nest finally gained more possession and gradually began to pin down the Galo. In the 33rd minute, João Pedro took a shot from outside the box, which goalkeeper Cleiton made a good save. Then, in the 34th minute, Lucas Silva made a great individual play, getting to the bottom of the box and crossing dangerously, forcing another save from the goalkeeper.

The two most important plays of the first half were left until the end. In the 44th minute, Mengão opened the scoring. Kleber took a corner kick, Bernardo rose higher than everyone else and headed the ball into the net. In the 45th minute, a controversial play occurred. The referee wrongly awarded a penalty after the ball hit Kleber's ribs. Notified by the players and coaching staff, he consulted the linesman, who took responsibility for the play and awarded only a corner, correcting the previous error.

"We know that playing here is very difficult. Thank God we didn't feel the pressure from the fans and played well, with great defensive consistency. Now we take the decision home. We count on the support of the nation on Ilha do Urubu for the return leg. We are very focused and focused on this decision. We are fully aware of the importance of the Copa do Brasil, and our team is increasingly united in our quest for this title," said defender Bernardo, who added: "I'm not a very tall defender (1.82m), but I make up for it very well with good positioning and speed. My priority is marking, but whenever possible I also try to contribute in attack. Thank God today I was able to help the team with this important goal," Bernardo concluded.

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The second half began with Flamengo on the attack. In the third minute, Lucas Silva skewered the opposing defense and fired a dangerous shot toward Atlético's goal. From then on, the match was evenly matched until the end, with both teams alternating attacks and creating dangerous chances. In the 3th minute, the Minas Gerais team took a corner kick, and Cícero equalized with a header. The fans tried to push Atlético to come back, but the Mais Querido had the best chance. In stoppage time, in the 37th minute, Jean Lucas attempted a well-placed shot, but the ball went just wide of Cleiton's left corner.

Now, the decision will be made on Ilha do Urubu!!!!! The Mengão U-20 team counts on the support of the Nação Rubro-Negra to win the unprecedented title of the Copa do Brasil in this category!

Flamengo took to the field with Gabriel Batista, Kleber, Bernardo, Rafael, Moraes (Wesley), Theo (Gabriel Magalhães), Jean Lucas, Lucas Silva, Gabriel Silva (Bill), João Pedro (Patrick) and Loran (Lincoln). Coach: Gilmar Popoca.