Flamengo defeats Athletico Paranaense 3-0 with João Vitor Couto hat-trick in U-17 Championship

Flamengo defeated Athletico Paranaense 3-0 on Saturday, September 5, at José Bastos Padilha Stadium in Gávea during Round 15 of the Brazilian U-17 Championship. Under head coach Daniel Franklin, the academy side extended their unbeaten run to 11 consecutive matches.

With the result, Flamengo reaches 26 points and remains in the top eight, securing a place in the quarterfinals. João Vitor Couto scored all three goals, bringing his tally to 12 in the U-17 Championship and 19 for the season.
 

Match Report

Flamengo started the contest seeking to control possession and construct attacks in the opponent's half. Against a well-organized Athletico Paranaense side, the Rio club showed patience in finding spaces and creating scoring opportunities.

After a balanced first half without goals, Flamengo returned from the interval determined to translate superiority into the scoreline. It was João Vitor Couto who led the way.

In the 2nd minute of the second period, the number 10 broke the deadlock to give Flamengo the lead. Moments later, at 7', Couto appeared again to double the advantage and put the Rubro-Negro in complete control: 2-0.

At the 20-minute mark, Flamengo earned a penalty. Couto stepped up again and converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick, sealing the 3-0 victory at Gávea.

With three goals in the match, João Vitor Couto reached 19 for the season and 12 in the U-17 Championship, currently sitting second in the competition's scoring charts.

Flamengo

Gabriel Werneck; Bernardo Nunes, Arthur Andrades, Daniel Silva, Rafael Barreto; Thauan Thiago (Heitor Vitória), Davi Carrijo (Mateus Teixeira), Pedro Henrique (Kauã Carlos), Thomas Robson (Isaac Gomes, Wallace Inácio); João Vitor Couto (Anthony Avelar), Luiz Guilherme
Head Coach: Daniel Franklin

Athlético Paranaense

Francisco; Esmael Santos, Enzo Bernardo (Thomaz Haislan), Lucas Bernardi, Flávio Santana; Davi Roza (Eduardo Sardi), Pedro Domingos (Gui Simões), Bryan Sant'ana (Léo Bom); João Roberto (Max Alberto), Tilico, Vitinho (Arthur Bolis)
Head Coach: Matheus Lima

Upcoming Fixture

Flamengo's U-17 side returns to action on Wednesday, September 9, for a Round 16 clash against Bahia, kick-off at 3 p.m. (local time). The match will be played at CT Evaristo de Macedo in Dias d'Ávila, Bahia.

Match Facts

Flamengo 3-0 Athletico Paranaense – Round 15, Brazilian U-17 Championship 2026
Venue: José Bastos Padilha Stadium, Gávea – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Date & Time: September 5, 2026 at 3 p.m. (BRT)
Referee: Alan Trindade da Silva (RJ), Assistant Referees: Nayra da Cunha Nunes (RJ), Lucas Castro dos Santos (RJ), Fourth Official: José Henrique Fernandes Vieira (RJ)
Goals: João Vitor Couto (45+2', 45+7', 45+20')