In a very balanced clash played on the hot afternoon of this Thursday (07), in Gávea, the Flamengo U-20 team, led by coach Mauricio Souza, drew 2x2 (Lázaro and Matheuzinho) with Athletico PR, in the first leg of the semifinal of the Brazilian Championship. The fair result takes the decision of the place in the grand final of the competition to the second duel, scheduled for this Sunday (10), at 20 pm, in Curitiba. Corinthians and Atlético MG play the other semifinal.

Flamengo started the game looking to attack and apply pressure, but conceded the first goal in the eighth minute, a penalty kick from Luan Patrick. The Boys from the Nest remained undeterred and sought the equalizer in the next attack, with an excellent finish from Lázaro, who scored his ninth goal of the season and broke the category's top scorer's lead. In the 16th minute, Lázaro tested the ball, but goalkeeper Leo Linck made a great save. When Flamengo was the better team, Athletico scored the second, a cross-shot from Vinicius Mingotti in the 24th minute. 

The Boys of the Nest came back pressing in the second half, equalizing in the 14th minute with a perfect penalty kick from Matheuzinho. From then on, the game was even again. Athletico created good scoring chances, all of which were denied by the strong performance of the red-and-black defense and Pedro Caracoci. In the final minutes, the "Mais Querido" also created good opportunities with crosses into the box. In the end, the draw was fair, and the final spot will be decided in the second leg on Sunday in Curitiba.

Flamengo: Pedro Caracoci, Matheuzinho (Luan Sales), Gabriel Noga, Milani (Cleiton), Ramon; Daniel Cabral (Lucas André), Richard Rios, Max (Matheus Alves); Lazaro, Thiaguinho (Yuri de Oliveira) and Gabriel Aires (Gabriel Barros). Coach: Mauricio Souza.