Flamengo's U-20 team debuts this Thursday (29) in the Copa do Brasil in the category, seeking its first title in the competition. In 2017, the team reached the final, being defeated by Atlético Mineiro on penalties, after two draws in the final matches (1x1 and 0x0). 

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Flamengo will make its debut against Paysandu at Curuzu in Belém at 19 p.m. The return leg is scheduled for Thursday, April 05th, at a venue yet to be determined. If it advances, Flamengo will face the winner of Vitória vs. Internacional.

Flamengo, the champion of the São Paulo Cup, once again enters the tournament with the accreditation of one of the strongest teams in the competition. But for coach Mauricio Souza, the title won at Pacaembu Stadium doesn't change the team's outlook in the Copa do Brasil. 

"I don't know if (the title) increases the favoritism. Flamengo, without a doubt, in any competition it enters, is seen with this know-how, favoritism. We have to stay grounded, understand that it's a knockout, enter extremely focused, accept this favoritism, but that this doesn't create more responsibility on us than we already have," said Mauricio. 

For their debut against Paysandu, Flamengo expects a tough match against a dangerous opponent. But the red-and-black team, which is recovering in the Guanabara Cup (two wins in its last two matches), will enter the field looking to get a result in the first leg. 

"We're very optimistic about playing a good game. The group is focused. We know the game's difficulties, but we're going after the win against Paysandu," added Mauricio Souza, who will have his full squad available for the match. Patrick (defender), Vitor Gabriel (forward), and Neneca (goalkeeper) return to the team.