Leading Group B of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup remains a major objective for Flamengo's youth team in this second phase of the competition. The team, led by coach Armênio Moura, returns to action this Saturday against Sendas, away from home, at 15 p.m., in the fifth and final match of the group's first round.

So far, the red-and-blacks have seven points from four matches in the tournament. They've won two, against Bangu and Volta Redonda, drawn one against Independente, and lost one to Leme in their opening match. The group stage is evenly matched. Bangu leads with nine points, followed closely by Flamengo and Leme with seven. Volta Redonda is in fourth place with six. Sendas, Rubro-Negro's opponent this Saturday, has four, and Independente is bottom with just one point.

"The OPG is a very competitive competition, with matches in the middle of the week and also at the end of the week, without much time to practice and fine-tune things. This has its positives and negatives, but I believe our team will improve with each match and we will achieve this qualification," said midfielder Renan Silva.

Right-back Rafael Galhardo, with a thigh injury, defensive midfielder Lenon, and midfielder Guilherme Camacho, who could be included in the first team's match against São Paulo, are doubtful. Therefore, the team is expected to field Marcelo, Henrique, Lucas, and Raphael; Leonardo, João VItor, Wellington Pecka, Renan Silva, and Jorbison; Diego Maurício and Vinícius Paquetá.