In a match played on Sunday afternoon (25) in Gávea, and valid for the final round of the qualifying phase of the Rio Cup, Flamengo's U-20 team fought until the last minute and achieved an important 2-0 victory (Gabriel Noga and Natan) over Volta Redonda. With Madureira's 2-1 defeat to Nova Iguaçu, the Garotos do Ninho surpassed the Subúrbio team in the classification table, reaching 16 points and taking second place in Group A. Thus, Mais Querido gains the right to play the single quarterfinal match in Gávea and with the advantage of a draw against Nova Iguaçu, next weekend. As it was champion of the Guanabara Cup, also winning the Rio Cup, Mais Querido will be two-time Carioca champion without the need to play the final.

Flamengo wanted the win and, from the opening whistle, pressed their opponents. The first chance came in the 12th minute, when Rodrigo Muniz fired a high shot after a low cross from Wendel. In the 20th minute, Wendel made an individual run, beat his marker, and slotted home with a confident shot. The ball went wide of goalkeeper Renan's goal. In the 32nd minute, Denilson unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The ball sailed just wide of the Volta Redonda crossbar. 

The Ninho Boys pressed for a goal in the first half. In the 39th minute, João Gabriel crossed and Rodrigo Muniz headed it just to Renan's right. In the last chance before halftime, Denilson took a free kick, and goalkeeper Renan cleared the danger.

Knowing Madureira had lost to Nova Iguaçu, a result that, if they had won against Volta Redonda, would have given Flamengo second place in the group and the advantage of playing the only quarterfinal match at Gávea, and a draw would have been enough, Flamengo returned for the second half with six changes and a single goal: the three points. In the 11th minute, Luis Gustavo crossed for Lázaro, who headed dangerously wide. The next minute, Denilson unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Renan palmed it away in surprise.

The game was essentially attack versus defense. In the 23rd minute, João Gabriel controlled the ball in the box and fired it over Renan's crossbar. Yuri then made a good run down the right wing and crossed perfectly for Lázaro. The Brazilian U-17 Championship's top scorer attempted a sliding tackle, but the ball skimmed the visiting team's left post. In the 27th minute, Ramon fired a cross, forcing another save from Renan. The pressure was intense, the red-and-black goal was growing, and it seemed only a matter of time. Cornered, Volta Redonda could only defend.

In the 29th minute, Denilson fired a first-time shot from the edge of the box. Renan saved without rebounding. The Ninho Boys didn't give up, but the ball stubbornly refused to go in, giving the game a dramatic air. But in the 35th minute, it finally did. After a corner kick in the box, the ball fell to Gabriel Noga. Well positioned and opportunistic, the Brazilian U-17 champion defender slotted the ball into the back of the net, opening the scoring for the Mais Querido.

Shortly after, Flamengo extended their lead with another goal from a defender. In the 41st minute, Luis Gustavo made a beautiful play and passed to Natan, who simply tapped it into the back of the visiting team's net, securing three more points for Flamengo in the championship and second place in Group A of the Rio Cup. Flamengo will play at home and the only quarterfinal match will require a draw.

Coach: Mauricio Souza.