Flamengo's youth team took the lead in the first leg of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship semifinals. In the preliminary round played this Sunday (April 12.04), the team won 3-2 after starting the match behind. "It was an important game for Flamengo. Despite having the advantage of a draw, the team always sought the win. Now, we must go into the second leg with the same determination and without worrying about this advantage. We must always strive to maintain the same attitude and play forward," analyzed Carlos Noval, Director of the youth teams of the team. 

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The team also had the absence of left-back Jorge, who is in the national teamFlamengo started the match trailing but fought for an equalizer throughout the first half. The team lost Douglas Baggio, who sprained his right ankle and will be re-evaluated. Nathan replaced him, and in the 44th minute, Matheus Sávio tied the game. 

In the second half, Thiago Santos replaced debutant Pepe Vilardi, who plays for the U-17 team. In the 19th minute, he scored the winning goal. Nathan then scored the third, but soon after felt a thigh injury and was replaced by Willian. In the final minutes, Flamengo had a penalty kick in their favor, but striker Cafu hit the post. Next week, the team will decide who will be in the final.

In the U-15 Guanabara Cup, Flamengo lost to Nova Iguaçu 3-2, with goals from Wendel and Vinicius. In the U-17 competition, against the same opponent, Flamengo drew 0-0 and won 5-4 on penalties. Goalkeeper Vinicius saved two penalties.