The time has come! After a stellar run throughout the Copa do Brasil (the "Garotos do Ninho" remain undefeated in the competition, with 5 wins and 2 draws, and a positive balance of 13 goals for and only 6 goals against), Flamengo's U-20 team arrived in Belo Horizonte early this Wednesday afternoon (07.06) for the first leg of the national tournament's grand final. Flamengo faces Atlético MG this Thursday (08.06) at 18:30 pm at Arena Independência. The national classic will be broadcast live on SporTV and ESPN Brasil. The second and decisive game will take place next week in Rio de Janeiro, with the date and location yet to be determined.

Before departing for the capital of Minas Gerais, the team finalized its preparations for the first game of the final in a training session held in Gávea on Wednesday morning. In an atmosphere that combined concentration, focus on the final, and a relaxed atmosphere among the players and coaching staff, the Rubro-Negro made the final adjustments before the decisive first 90 minutes of the national competition final.

"Tomorrow they'll have the advantage of playing at home, with the support of the fans, who we know will turn out in large numbers. But our team has already responded well in adverse situations like these. They're guys with very positive personalities who don't feel this kind of pressure. This gives us great confidence to go onto the field with enough calm to get a good result for the return match in Rio de Janeiro, where we can count on the support of the nation to help us make a difference," said coach Gilmar Popoca. 

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Taking over as team captain due to the absence of defender Dener, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee and will undergo surgery in the coming days, goalkeeper Gabriel Batista also spoke about his expectations for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final.

"Enjoying this moment wearing this Sacred Mantle is indescribable. A unique feeling. The nation can be sure that we will enter the match fully focused and focused on everything we know we need to do to overcome the great team that is Atlético MG and win this unprecedented title for Flamengo. Our team has great quality, unity, and a winning spirit. We will do our best to make everything work out," concluded Gabriel Batista.