Flamengo took the field this Sunday morning (June 24.06) in Gávea, already qualified for the overall semifinals of the U-20 State Championship, but with the challenging mission of eliminating one of its main rivals in the competition. And as has been the case frequently in recent years, it achieved its goal once again in a very close derby. Besides extending the team's two-month unbeaten streak to 15 games this season, the 1-0 victory (Kleber) confirms the first spot in the Taça Rio final for the team with the best record in the overall standings of the State Championship. Now, the "Garotos do Ninho" (The Boys of the Nest) will watch from the best seats in the semifinal between Vasco and Nova Iguaçu, which will decide the Mais Querido's opponent in the final of the first half. Regardless, Flamengo has already qualified for the overall semifinals of the competition and will have the advantage of a draw in the semifinal and of playing the grand final at home, should they make it there. Before deciding the Rio Cup, Rubro-Negro debuts in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship on Wednesday (28.06) playing at Couto Pereira against Coritiba, at 15 pm. The group also includes Corinthians, Grêmio and Goiás. The first two placed advance to the second phase of the competition. 

Fluminense started the game by creating two good chances. In the 9th minute, Ramon received the ball on the penalty spot, facing Gabriel Batista, who saved Flamengo with a great save. In the 13th minute, Gabriel Batista appeared again to save Flamengo, with two consecutive saves from Patrick Luan and Ramon. Fluminense only had their first shot in the 19th minute, with Theo's shot from outside the box, harmlessly. But the first chance they got into the game and quickly began to control the game. Soon after, in the 22nd minute, the Garotos do Ninho opened the scoring. Kleber made an excellent individual play, carrying the ball from his own half and shooting with his left foot from the edge of the box into the left corner, leaving goalkeeper Yuri with no chance.  

"I've been practicing this play every day, and thank God today I was able to score our winning goal through it. I confess that I initially thought about passing the ball, but the defender followed me and gave me the opportunity to shoot. Now it's time to rest and prepare well for this sequence, which will include our debut in the Brazilian league on Wednesday, and then the Taça Rio final this weekend. We remain strong in pursuit of our goals," said full-back Kleber.

The second half started very evenly, with no scoring chances. The first came only in the 18th minute. Gabriel Silva made a great individual play and passed to Lincoln, who missed the penalty spot and shot over the bar. Fluminense didn't reach the halftime mark until the 30th minute. Evanilson fired a powerful shot that was safely saved by Hugo, who had come on at halftime for Gabriel Batista, who had to come off after suffering a shoulder injury. In the 32nd minute, Theo took a free kick that Yuri made a good save. In the final 15 minutes, Flamengo calmly managed their lead, without any scares, and once again eliminated Fluminense from the State Championship. 

Flamengo took to the field with Gabriel Batista (Hugo), Kleber (Juninho), Bernardo, Rafael, Michael, Theo, Jean Lucas, Lucas Silva, Gabriel Silva, João Pedro (Vinícius Souza) and Lincoln. Coach: Gilmar Popoca.