Rivalries define Flamengo U-20’s week with focus on the Copa do Brasil and Carioca Championship.
Flamengo‘s U-20 team faces an intense week marked by two head-to-head clashes against archrival Vasco. The Rio de Janeiro rivalry will unfold in both the knockout stage of the U-20 Copa do Brasil and the state’s U-20 Carioca Championship. Head coach Marcelo Salazar will welcome key players back following the FIFA window, boosting optimism in pursuit of victories.
The first matchup takes place this Thursday (08) at Ninho do Urubu, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. BRT. This clash is crucial for Flamengo‘s survival in the U-20 Copa do Brasil, as the team looks to advance to the round of 16. In the event of a tie, the spot will be decided by a penalty shootout.
A Derby in the Copa do Brasil
Thursday’s match is a single-elimination tie and represents a significant step in Flamengo‘s journey in the national tournament. The Rubro-Negro’s campaign so far has been promising, highlighted by a dominant 6-0 thrashing of Espírito Santo’s Forte in their debut, proving the strength of the squad. This year’s tournament expanded its field of teams, adding more hurdles on the road to the final, set for December 2.
Focus Shifts to U-20 Carioca on Sunday
Three days later, on Sunday (11), the rivalry moves to the Carioca Championship. The clash, known as the Clássico dos Milhões, kicks off at 11:00 a.m. BRT, hosted by Vasco. Although Flamengo has already secured qualification for the next phase of the state tournament, defeating their rival is always a major priority.
Reinforcements for the Derbies
Head coach Marcelo Salazar will be able to count on the return of key players who were away on duty with the Brazil national team. Leo Nannetti and João Victor are back and available after international duty, with chances of starting if fully fit. In addition, players who trained with the senior squad during the FIFA window, such as Johnny, Joshua, Daniel Sales, and Josmar, are also set to bolster the U-20 side, raising the squad’s level for the matchups against Vasco.
Salazar‘s stint in charge of Flamengo‘s U-20 team since June 2026 has been marked by a solid run, including an unbeaten streak that was only recently snapped. This week’s training sessions will be decisive as the coach settles on the ideal lineup for the crucial clashes against Vasco. The squad’s strength, bolstered by returning players, raises expectations for Flamengo‘s performance in these two decisive matches.
Equipe M360
