Hierarchy. In football, this is essential. And there's the Sacred Mantle, Flamengo. When it comes to the final, this is a crucial factor. The opponent may be in better form, may be excited, may be on a roll, but there's one jersey that reigns supreme in Rio de Janeiro, today and forever.

Now, just two games remain before Brazil is red and black once again. Flamengo is back in the Copa do Brasil final. The "Mais Querido" eliminated Botafogo in Wednesday's match at Maracanã, winning 1-0 thanks to a beautiful goal from Diego in the 25th minute of the second half, and will now face them in their seventh final of the competition. As a bonus, the team remains undefeated in Rio de Janeiro derbies in 2017.

The team took the field with a few changes to what fans are used to. Coach Reinaldo Rueda liked what he saw in the first leg of the semifinal and returned Pará to left back, with Rodinei on the right. And up front, the biggest change. Confirmed minutes before the match, Guerrero was named the main attacker. 

The game started very differently from the first leg. This time, Botafogo started looking to attack, and the field was wide open. Flamengo, however, true to their style, tried to pass the ball around and wait for the best opportunity. A doubt before the match, forward Guerrero moved a lot up front, giving the midfielders options. Flamengo's first shot came only in the 10th minute. Everton stole the ball from the defense, passed it to Willian Arão, who found Diego. The number 35 shot well, but the ball went straight into Gatito's hands. In the 13th minute, Guerrero had his first chance. He spun in the box and shot into the corner, forcing Gatito into another save. 

After Botafogo's initial momentum subsided, Flamengo controlled the match and began to create opportunities. Guerrero and Berrio had good chances, while the opposition struggled to create chances. The black and white team had a chance in the 2nd minute and another only in the 43rd, and saw the ball hover around their box for much of the first half. 

In the final minute of the half, the referee didn't award Flamengo two fouls in the same play, which would have been a great opportunity for the Red-Blacks. Shortly after, the first half ended, and the score remained at zero. 

Second time

Flamengo had its best chance of the game just two minutes in. Pará delivered a superb cross from the left, which was headed by Willian Arão, who sent the ball just wide of Gatito's post. 

The game continued at a slow pace. Flamengo kept moving forward, looking for space, and controlling the game, but couldn't get into the box, while Botafogo let time pass to hold on for a 0-0 draw. That's when Berrío's talent came to the fore, making a fantastic run down the right and passing it down the middle for Diego to fire home the opener in the 25th minute. Following the move, the Colombian striker was injured, and Rueda brought on young Vinicius Junior.

The goal boosted Flamengo's spirits, and they pushed forward despite the favorable result, creating a tense match. On the other side, Botafogo, now in need of a goal, also began to attack, giving space to the Mais Querido. However, their rivals' momentum didn't last long, and the team that came in to equalize the match failed to achieve its goal. 

Maracanã nearly exploded in the 47th minute. Guerrero played the pivot and passed to Vinicius Junior. The youngster beat him in the race, but when he was about to shoot, he was dispossessed and nearly scored the second goal. But he didn't need to. The victory came on the back of the jersey, the grit, and the talent of a team that fought for the win throughout the 90 minutes. There's justice in football.