Just three days after heroically winning their fourth São Paulo Junior Football Cup title, Flamengo's U-20 team debuted in the State Championship against Bonsucesso on a hot Sunday morning (28) in Gávea. Playing with an alternative team reinforced by many young athletes, as the four-time champions will only return next Tuesday at Ninho do Urubu, the Garotos do Ninho once again demonstrated the strength of their squad and the club's youth football. In a very difficult match, the Mais Querido won 1-0 (Henrique) and earned their first three points in the State Championship.

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Just two minutes in, Yago took a dangerous free kick. The ball deflected off the wall and headed toward Victor Hugo's left corner. The goalkeeper, who was part of the four-time São Paulo Cup champion squad, flew beautifully and made a stunning save. A minute later, Yago took another free kick, which Victor Hugo made another good save. The game was lukewarm, and Flamengo didn't have their first good chance until the 26th minute. José Ítalo unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but goalkeeper Bert parried it with a superb save.

The Boys of the Nest returned with a different approach for the second half. Less than a minute in, Juninho sped to the byline and crossed to Brayan's head. The ball went very close to Bert's right post. In the tenth minute, Lucas Chagas took a long-range shot, and the ball dangerously went over Bonsucesso's goal. Playing defensively, the visiting team made it difficult for Bonsucesso to enter the box, and long-range shots were inevitable. In the fifteenth minute, it was Luan David's turn to try his luck, and again the ball went close to Berg's goal, creating a serious threat.

Flamengo created its best chance so far in the 22nd minute. After intense pressure, Wachington crossed the ball into the middle of the box, and Vitor Ricardo appeared alone at the penalty spot. But his shot was wide, and the ball went wide. In the 23rd minute, Juninho crossed, and Wachington, who had started well, almost scored with a header. Flamengo began to press, and the first goal was ripe. But the ball only went in during stoppage time. In the 46th minute, Wachington made a good individual play on the left flank of the attack and passed it to Henrique. The midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. The ball glanced off the post before bulging into the net, leaving Berg with no chance to save. It was the goal that sealed another victory for the U-20 team in the 2018 season.

"It's a great joy. We've been preparing very intensely since the beginning of the year, and thank God I was able to play and score the winning goal in the State Championship debut. Coach Mauricio and Marcio always tell us to take advantage of opportunities that arise, and today I was very happy. I want to congratulate the entire group for winning the Copinha. Our squad is very strong, and whenever necessary, I'll be available to help," said Henrique.

Flamengo's U-20 team returns to the field next Thursday (01/02), when they face Bangu, at 16 pm at the Moça Bonita Stadium, in a match valid for the second round of the State Championship. 

Coach: Marcio Torres.