With two goals from Matheus Gonçalves, Fla draws in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship

The red-black team before the classic with Botafogo: Fla is in sixth place in the Brazilian Under-20

Photos: Gilvan de Souza

After conceding the goal and turning the score around, Flamengo ended up giving up the draw to Botafogo, in the debut of coach Bruno Pivetti. The classic, played this Thursday (10), at the Luso Brasileiro Stadium, on Ilha do Governador, valid for the 17th round of the Brazilian U-20, ended in a two-goal draw. Midfielder Matheus Gonçalves scored the red-black goals.

In his first match in charge of the red-black team in the under-20 category, Bruno Pivetti had athletes who were recently in the main team, such as Matheus Gonçalves himself, as well as defender João Victor and midfielder Joshua, both starters, and goalkeeper Leo Nannetti, who was a substitute. 

Matheus Gonçalves, the red-and-black number 10, took the first shot of the derby in the 11th minute. The ball sailed high, to the right of the opponent's goal. With a quick break down the right in the 17th minute, Botafogo opened the scoring with Kayke.

It was the opponent who struck again in the 23rd minute, with a header to the left of goalkeeper Lucas Furtado. Flamengo tried to press but weren't getting any convincing until Matheus Gonçalves scored a stunning goal in the 35th minute, shooting from outside the box into the right corner after an individual play.

Before the end of the first half, Gusttavo took advantage of a free kick and tried to chip the goalkeeper, who saved with some difficulty, in the 41st minute. Lucas Furtado then made a great save, preventing Botafogo's second goal.

Just 3 minutes in, Flamengo turned the game around with another beautiful goal from Matheus Gonçalves, who received an assist from Lorran, cut to the left and hit the ball into the top corner.

Flamengo sought to attack down the wings, still failing to create significant chances. In the 25th minute, Fabiano nearly scored from a loose ball from a Lorran cross. The ball sailed over the crossbar. In the first dangerous attacking move, Botafogo equalized in the 35th minute with Ruan Sacramento, giving the game its final score.

Flamengo's next opponent in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship will be Atlético-MG, next Monday (14/07), at 20 pm, once again at Luso Brasileiro. Rubro-Negro is in sixth place in the competition, with 27 points.

Flamengo 2x2 Botafogo

Brazilian Under-20 Championship

17th round - single round

Luso-Brazilian Stadium

Date: 10 / 07 / 2025

Flamengo: Lucas Furtado, Gusttavo, Iago, João Victor, Italo, Fabiano, João Alves, Matheus Gonçalves, Lorran, Joshua and Pedro Leão.

Substitutes: Leo Nannetti, Da Mata, Felipe Vieira, Luiz Phellipe, Wanderson, Luis Aucélio, Bruno Xavier, Guilherme, Jorge Mora, Bill, Felipe Teresa and Shola.