Flamengo reaches the final of the Under-13 Development League

The Under-13 Development League, considered the main national competition in the category, was played in Santa Catarina, in the city of Itajaí, at the CT of Barra FC, a local club. Flamengo reached the final and, after a draw with Grêmio in regulation time, was defeated 4-3 in the penalty shootout. The match was played last Sunday (29).

There were four matches until the final. Flamengo's debut was precisely against Grêmio, on the 23rd, in a kind of preview of the title duel. The match was balanced and ended goalless. The Flamengo youth team came out strong for the second game and beat Red Bull Bragantino 3-1, with two goals from Bernardo Marins and one from Alex.

The qualification for the semi-finals was secured with a victory over Fluminense. Arthur Santana scored the winning goal in the derby and secured the spot for Flamengo, taking advantage of an assist from Nikenzo, 20 minutes into the first half.

Flamengo advanced to the title decision with an exciting victory over Atlético-MG last Friday (27). The Garotos do Ninho started the match very well and opened up a two-goal advantage. Arthur Santana and Enzo Gabriel scored in the 20th and 27th minutes of the first half, respectively. The Minas Gerais team scored their first goal early in the second half. Bernardo Martins extended the lead in the 28th minute and Atlético Mineiro managed to reduce the deficit a minute later, but the score remained 3-2 for Flamengo.

The final between Flamengo and Grêmio was a rematch of the first round and ended in another draw, this time 1-1. The team from Rio Grande do Sul opened the scoring in the 11th minute and held the lead until the 28th minute of the second half, when Arthur Santana sealed the victory. In the penalty shootout, Flamengo took the lead (3-2), but missed their last two kicks and were ultimately defeated 4-3.