In a tough match played on a hot Saturday morning (27) at Jânio Moraes Stadium in Nova Iguaçu, Flamengo's U-20 team, led by coach Mauricio Souza, drew 1-1 (Denilson) against the team from Baixada Fluminense. The result guarantees an important point for the Mais Querido in the Taça Rio standings. By beating Bangu next Saturday at 10 am in Gávea, the Rubro-Negro will be very close to mathematically securing their place in the quarterfinals of the second round. Having already won the Taça Guanabara, Flamengo can become the two-time Rio champions directly if they also win the Taça Rio. 

The first half was very even and hard-fought, but with very few scoring chances for either team. Flamengo's best chance before halftime came in the 37th minute, when Jefferson sped down the right wing and sent a low cross into the box. Goalkeeper Iago made the save in two attempts. In the 41st minute, Habraão made a beautiful switch of play, Pablo headed the ball, and Yuri de Oliveira skillfully escaped his marker. The shot, however, was blocked by the defense. In the final play of the first half, Gustavo drove the ball to the edge of the box and took a shot from mid-range. Iago was caught off guard, but recovered and made the save in a second attempt.

Nova Iguaçu returned for the second half with three changes and began to press for the win. In the 12th minute, after a strong attacking triangle that also involved Michael and Marx Lenin, Denilson sent a ball through the middle of the defense for Rodrigo Muniz to run in, but the goalkeeper came out in the nick of time and blocked the ball. Nova Iguaçu had a good chance in the 17th minute, with a free kick from Kayque. Victor Hugo was alert and palmed it away for a corner. 

The goals came in stoppage time. In the 45th minute, Juan scored for Nova Iguaçu. And in the final play of the game, Denilson's perfect free kick from the edge of the box leveled the score, securing an important point for Flamengo, who remain second in Group A of the Rio Cup. If they beat Bangu in the next round, the "Garotos do Ninho" could mathematically secure their place in the quarterfinals of the second round.

Flamengo: Victor Hugo, Braian (Luis Gustavo), Habraão, Gustavo, Pablo (Michael); Henrique (Christopher), Matheus Alves, Marx Lenin; (Denilson) Jefferson (Denilson), Yuri de Oliveira (João Gabriel) and Rodrigo Muniz. Coach: Mauricio Souza.