What red-and-black fan wouldn't rather be here, enjoying a Mengão victory in a classic against Vasco, on a Sunday morning? That's how April 2, 2023, began for the Red-and-Black Nation, with the Meninas da Gávea's match in the Copa Rio Feminina, at Nivaldo Pereira Stadium, in Austin, Rio de Janeiro.

The match was the first for two girls from the U-20 team against the professional team: Mariana Fernandes, who scored the winning goal, and Laysa, who was on the bench. Flamengo fans were able to watch the entire match live, with images from FlaTVYou can stay up to date with everything that goes on in the daily lives of the Meninas da Gávea through the team's exclusive Instagram profile: click here and follow @flamengofutebolfeminino!

The game

In the fifth minute, Leidiane took a good free kick, the first clear chance for Flamengo to score, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 18th minute, a tight cross from Rayanne earned Flamengo a corner; from Louvain's shot, Agustina attempted the cross and found another corner. This time, Leidiane lifted the ball into the box, for Cida to shoot, but it sailed just wide of the crossbar. The match remained concentrated in midfield, with no significant opportunities for either side, until the 40th minute, when Leidiane tried her luck from outside the box, but the ball went too high.

After the break, Flamengo came back with a vengeance and had its first shot of the second half before the first minute of play, from Jucinara, who replaced Tuca. In the 5th minute, number 81 had another chance, forcing the opposing goalkeeper to make a great save and clear the ball for a corner. Next, it was Leidiane's turn to try her luck from the edge of the penalty area. With the introduction of Crivelari and Sole Jaimes, Flamengo continued to rely on attacking intensity. In the 30th minute, the Argentine made a good play, but Jucinara lost the challenge with the goalkeeper.

But fate would have it that the scorer of Mengão's goal was Mariana Fernandes, from the U-20 team. In her first professional debut and just a few minutes into the match, she opened the scoring after coming on for Gisseli. In the 34th minute, the youngster took advantage of the rebound, dribbled past the Cruzmaltina goalkeeper, and made it 1-0 in the derby. The entire squad celebrated the special moment for the Menina da Gávea.

Before the referee's final whistle, Gica had the chance to extend the lead, from the penalty spot, but he missed the shot.

Next appointment

For the Copa Rio, the team will face Fluminense, next Saturday (8), in Gávea, with no time yet defined. The team depends only on itself to be champion, with a victory in this Fla-Flu. For the Brasileirão Feminino, the Meninas da Gávea return to the field on April 17 to face Grêmio, at 17:30 pm, in Porto Alegre.

Flamengo lineup

Karol Alves; Rayanne, Daiane (Agustina), Cida, Gisseli (Mariana Fernandes); Kaylaine Jr, Nath Pitbull (Cris), Louvain (Sole Jaimes) and Leidiane (Crivelari); Tuca (Jucinara) and Gica.

Coach: Luis Andrade.

Technical sheet

Vasco 0x1 Flamengo – Women's Rio Cup

Location: Nivaldo Pereira, ARTSUL, Austin-RJ

Date and time: 02/04/2023, at 10:XNUMX am

Goal: Mariana Fernandes (34' 2nd half)