The journey was not easy. There were absences, difficult matches, and a lot of determination. Flamengo fought in every match to reach just one goal: the grand final of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. This Monday (22), the Most Beloved went to Canindé Stadium to face Portuguesa in the final stage before the final. And we made it. With goals from Vitor Gabriel (twice) and Luiz Henrique, the Rubro-Negro qualified and will go to Pacaembu.

The first half was a tight affair. In a duel between undefeated teams, Flamengo and Portuguesa knew exactly what needed to be done to secure a spot in the Copinha final. With this script in mind, the teams fought for every ball and opportunity created. In the eighth minute, it was Portuguesa who capitalized first on a good chance, opening the scoring and taking the lead.

However, the Mais Querido wouldn't give up their spot. Pressing their opponents and battling for possession, the Rubro-Negro relied on strong collective play to inch closer to an equalizer, which came shortly after. In the 12th minute, Luiz Henrique took a free kick into the box, and Vitor Gabriel, alone, rose to deflect the ball and equalize.

The match remained tight and fiercely contested. Flamengo, however, refused to go into halftime with the score tied. In the 36th minute, Pablo took a throw-in, Vitor Gabriel controlled it, crossed low, and found Luiz Henrique in the box. The youngster fired a cross and scored the second goal for Flamengo: 2-1.

The second half was equally difficult. Even though they were ahead, the Ninho Boys fought to extend their lead. In the 15th minute, Vitor Gabriel did just that. After a corner kick, he rose highest and headed the ball unmarked, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

The 3-1 deficit forced Portuguesa to start pressing harder. With a solid defense and a strong performance by Yago Darub, Flamengo managed to stop the Portuguese attempts while continuing to create good opportunities in attack. In the 35th minute, however, Flamengo saw their opponent score a second goal, needing to close the gap in the final minutes. Despite the pressure, Flamengo held on and qualified from Canindé: 3-2.

The opponent for the final will be decided in the match between São Paulo and Internacional, later this Monday. The São Paulo Junior Football Cup final is scheduled for this Thursday (25).