Flamengo’s U-20 team defeated Sampaio Corrêa-RJ 3-0, took the lead in the Taça Guanabara, and is now focusing on the decisive derbies against Vasco.
Flamengo’s youth squad delivered a swift response in the U-20 Campeonato Carioca. Playing at the Ninho do Urubu training center, the Crias do Ninho overcame Sampaio Corrêa-RJ with authority, securing a solid 3-0 victory in the ninth round of the state competition.
With the win earned this Friday (02), the Rubro-Negro reached 24 points in the standings. The result allowed the team to overtake rivals Fluminense, who now hold second place with 22 points, heating up the race for the top spot in the Taça Guanabara.
Efficiency and goals at Ninho do Urubu
The red-and-black dominance began early. In the very first offensive opportunity of the match, at the 15-minute mark, Victor Hugo pounced on a rebound inside the box to open the scoring for Flamengo.
Despite the pressure exerted by the visitors as they pushed for an equalizer, the Mengão defense held firm. In the final stretch, technical quality prevailed: 30 minutes into the second half, Jefinho extended the lead after a well-worked play. Shortly after, at the 40th minute, Andrew sealed the deal with a beautiful cross-shot.
The attitude shown by the youngsters against Sampaio Corrêa was very different from the loss against Fluminense. In that derby, some players seemed to give up when trailing 2-1. This Friday, however, everyone ran tirelessly.
Resilience and focus on the ‘Clássico dos Milhões’
Even playing without some athletes who frequently train with the professional squad, such as Daniel Sales and Josmar, the group showed depth and tactical consistency to secure another three points in the regional tournament.
Already mathematically guaranteed a spot in the next phase of the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo is now directing all its attention to a grueling sequence against Vasco. The teams will face off in two consecutive Clássicos dos Milhões: first on Thursday (08) for the Copa do Brasil, and subsequently on Sunday (11) for the second leg of the state championship.
