It wasn't the result everyone expected, but it turned out to be a good result. Flamengo hosted Bangu on Wednesday afternoon at Gávea and held on for a 1-1 draw. Diego Maurício scored the red-and-black goal.

The point earned was invaluable for coach Armênio Moura's team. After all, the West Zone team is their direct rival in the battle for the top spot. With the draw, the Gávea team maintains a three-point lead over second place in Group B of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup (OPG). In the next round, Flamengo faces Volta Redonda away from home on Saturday at 16 pm.

Without Camacho, Lenon, Jorbison, and Erick Flores, all training with the seniors despite being eligible for the OPG Cup matches, coach Armênio Moura fielded Marcelo Carné, Rafael Galhardo, Henrique, Cristiano, and Vitor Saba; Luiz Antônio, Wellington Pecka, João Vitor, and Eliabe; Isaac and Vinícius Paquetá. Lucas Galdino, Diego Maurício, and Leonardo came on after the match. Cristiano, Isaac, and Galhardo were substituted. Flamengo asserted their home advantage and took control of the match from the first minute. However, the team failed to convert their increased possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities. They moved the ball well and kept it moving, but were unable to convert it. The best chances came from shots from outside the box by full-back Vitor Saba and midfielder Eliabe. However, the Bangu goalkeeper kept the score unchanged on both occasions. Wellington Pecka and Rafael Galhardo were the highlights of the first stage.\

In the second half, ecstasy and a cold shower for the red-and-blacks. In the 35th minute, when everything seemed headed for a 0-0 draw, Diego Maurício, who had come on 10 minutes earlier, received a good pass from Vitor Saba, burst into the box, and fired past the goalkeeper: 1-0 Flamengo. The result was excellent for the home team, which would have opened up an even bigger lead in the standings. However, Bangu still found the equalizer late in the 44th minute, much to the dismay of the Flamengo fans, who couldn't hide their disappointment with the result.