After debuting in the second phase of the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG) by beating Fluminense 3-0 away from home, the Mais Querido U-20 team returned to the field on Wednesday afternoon (25), in Gávea, to face Audax, in a match valid for the second round of the second phase of the state competition. Under the strong sun and intense heat, the Garotos do Ninho won 5-0 (Thiago own, João Pedro, Bill, Michael and Vinícius Souza), and opened up an advantage in the isolated leadership of Group E, with 6 points won and a great positive balance of 8 goals. In the other game of the round, Botafogo and Fluminense drew 2-2. Next Saturday, the 28th, Rubro-Negro receives Botafogo at 16 pm, in Gávea, and with another victory will leave its classification for the final of the competition very well underway.

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Just a minute into the game, Kleber reached the byline and crossed to João Pedro, who missed the defender by a split second to open the scoring. But shortly after, in the sixth minute, Kleber took a free kick into the box, Lucas Silva headed it, and the ball deflected off full-back Thiago, who scored an own goal. It was the first goal for the Ninho Boys of the game. The red-and-blacks' dominance was extreme, and the second goal was not long in coming. Jean Lucas received the ball on the right wing and crossed perfectly for João Pedro, who stylishly headed home to extend the lead. The third arrived soon after. Kleber passed the ball to Jean Lucas, who delivered a beautiful backheel pass to Lucas Silva. He beat the defense with speed and crossed to Bill, who struck a powerful, first-time shot, leaving Boca goalkeeper no chance, who then went on to find another ball in the back of the net. 

Audax had its first dangerous shot in the 20th minute, with a free kick from the edge of the box. Hugo Souza made a great save and palmed it out for a corner. In the 38th minute, they turned the game around. Lucas Silva arrived at the back and delivered a deliberate and perfect cross to Michael, who made no mistake and scored the fourth. 

Barely managing the large lead they built in the first 45 minutes, the Mais Querido imposed a more measured tempo in the second half. In the 12th minute, Jean Lucas unleashed a bomb from outside the box, which exploded against Boca's crossbar. In the 21st minute, Jean Lucas took a corner kick, and after a scuffle in the box, the ball fell to Vinícius Souza, who weakly fired into Boca's hands. In the 25th minute, Kleber took a corner kick that was headed by Vinícius Souza, who rose high to score the Garotos do Ninho's fifth goal of the match. In the 45th minute, Kleber took a free kick into the corner, and Boca made a great save to prevent a sixth goal. 

"Our team has been working hard and gathering all the information that Professor Mauricinho gives us in training every day. Thank God, the team's progress is noticeable, and we want to keep improving. Despite the score we built, the opponent was very dangerous. Now our focus is on Botafogo. We know it will be a very difficult derby, but we will concentrate and seek three more points playing at home," said João Pedro.

The classic against Botafogo, valid for the third round of the second phase of the OPG is scheduled for this Saturday (28) at 16 pm, in Gávea. Mais Querido leads Group E with 6 points won, four ahead of Botafogo, which has two points won. Fluminense and Audax have only one point, and share third place in the group. 

Coach: Mauricio Souza.