Just like the rest of Flamengo's youth system, the under-20 team has been having a great season. They've already won three titles in four competitions so far. Their current mission is to win the Brazilian Championship, a first for the category. To achieve this, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Flamengo's youth team) need to maintain their current performance. Flamengo leads Group F with the second-best record in the competition, with five wins and two losses, and also has the third-best attack with 13 goals. 

“This group has been doing a good job since the São Paulo Cup. Despite the constant changes in the team, the group is very good and that has been paying off. We've competed in four competitions and won three titles, including the one in Italy. We are doing very well in the Brazilian Championship. If we had won the last game, we would be very close to qualifying. But it doesn't change anything; if we win the next one, we're more motivated than ever. We are leaders of our group and we will qualify,” stated coach Marcio Torres.

One of the team's top scorers in the Brazilian U-20 Championship, with three goals alongside Wendel and Vitor Gabriel, full-back Klebinho is part of the professional squad and came down to play in the competition. In addition to him, other players with experience in the first team have been contributing to the excellent campaign of the Flamengo youth team in the competition.

"The boys who have already experienced being at the professional level come with a bit more experience, even more so when it comes to the Brazilian Championship. Lucas Silva, for example, scored a goal in the Taça Guanabara this year, he was injured and will help us a lot, as will the others who also contribute," the coach highlighted. 

After a setback in the classic against Vasco in the last round, in São Januário, Mengão faces Cruzmaltino again this Thursday (29), this time at Raulino de Oliveira, in search of a victory to secure qualification for the semi-final and stay alive in the fight for the Brazilian Championship title.

“A derby is the same for both teams. They've become more alive in the competition, which gives them a sense of calm, a new boost. What I told my players is that, despite it being a derby, we can't let it get us down; we're aiming for the Brazilian Championship. We have to stay focused to secure our qualification,” concluded the coach, who led the team to victories in the Carioca Championship and the Dossena Trophy in Italy.