Flamengo's youth team didn't let bad luck take its toll. In a match this Wednesday afternoon in Gávea, they defeated Independente 2-1 and secured their place in the final stage of the Taça Octávio Pinto Guimarães. With the result and the victory of Bangu, who are battling with the red-and-black team for the lead in Group B, coach Armênio Moura's team has already qualified for the next stage of the tournament. The only thing left to determine is whether they will be in first place or second place in their group.

The match was very evenly matched between the two teams, similar to what had happened in the first round in Macaé, when the game ended in a 1-1 draw. This time, the red-and-blacks prevailed. And it wasn't thanks to their forwards. Two defensive midfielders decided the match: Antônio and Pecka scored the winning goals.

Defender Rafael Galhardo celebrated the result. "The team did well, we got the result we wanted and needed, and now we just have to decide first place on Saturday. But the important thing is that we're in the next round and we have to keep working to win the title," he said.

The Gávea team's next and final match in this stage of the OPG is this Saturday at 16 p.m. The red-and-blacks host Sendas, while Bangu plays Independente in Moça Bonita.