After excellent debut in the Copa do Brasil, when they beat Ceilândia (DF) 4-0 Last Thursday, Flamengo's U-20 team turned its attention to another debut, this time in the State Championship of the category. Current champions of the competition, after winning the 2018 title with a victory over Vasco at Maracanã with a goal from Pepê, the Garotos do Ninho begin this Sunday (17) against Goytacaz, in Gávea, the journey in search of the second Rio de Janeiro championship and the 31st state title in the category. The duel starts at 16 pm. 

The championship format, which ends in October, is very similar to that of the professional state championship, but with 16 teams competing for the title. The Mais Querido is in Group A, alongside América, Botafogo, Boavista, Cabofriense, Madureira, Goytacaz, and Resende. In the Guanabara Cup, matches are played within groups, and after seven rounds, the top four teams qualify for the quarterfinals. In the Rio Cup, the red-and-blacks' opponents will be the members of Group B, consisting of Fluminense, Vasco, Portuguesa, Bangu, Volta Redonda, Americano, Macaé, and Nova Iguaçu. The champion of each round advances to the overall final. If the same team wins both rounds, they will be declared champions without the need for a final.

"We have high expectations, as we are the current Rio de Janeiro champions and will fight hard for this second title. The preparation in Espírito Santo was crucial in building cohesion and confidence within the group, which is undergoing some changes. We knew the great responsibility we would have in the Copa do Brasil opening match against Ceilândia, and the 4-0 victory showed that we are on the right track and ready for the challenges the season will bring. Thank God we played a great match and hope to improve even further in the match against Goytacaz," said defender Nathan.

After thrashing Ceilândia (DF) 4-0 in the first round, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Ninho Boys) wait until next Wednesday to find out their opponent in the second round of the national competition. Real Ariquemes (RO) and Horizonte (CE) face off in Rondônia, and the winner will play Flamengo in the next round. A draw held this week at CBF headquarters decided that "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) will open the competition at home and will decide their spot in the quarterfinals away from home.