Flamengo draws with Botafogo away, extends unbeaten run to six matches in U-17 Brazilian Championship

Flamengo and Botafogo had already met this season in the Recopa Carioca final, also at Nilton Santos. On that occasion, Rubro-Negro secured the title with a 3-2 victory, goals from João Vitor Couto, Isaac Gomes and Daniel Silva.

However, on Monday (17), Flamengo drew 2-2 with their rivals at Nilton Santos Stadium during the 12th round of the Brazilian U-17 Championship. Luiz Guilherme scored both goals for Rubro-Negro, while Pedro Pit and Gustavo Santiago found the net for Botafogo. With the result, Flamengo's youth side extends their unbeaten streak to six consecutive matches in the competition and remain in contention for a quarter-final spot.

The match

The game began balanced, with both teams disputing control of midfield. Flamengo created the first opportunities, earning two consecutive corner kicks in the fifth minute.

In the 11th minute, Isaac Gomes appeared to have broken the deadlock but his goal was ruled out for offside. The number 7 was in an advanced position at the start of the play.

Two minutes later, Bernardo Nunes took a free kick from the right flank and delivered into the box. After a scramble, Nathan Ribeiro managed to shoot but was blocked by Botafogo's defense.

Flamengo continued pressing for a goal. In the 36th minute, João Vitor tested from distance and forced goalkeeper Rafael Stein to concede a corner. From Bernardo Nunes' delivery, the opposing defense cleared the danger.

In the 43rd minute, Rubro-Negro opened the scoring. Flamengo initiated the move in their own half, with centre-back Nathan Ribeiro finding goalkeeper Bruno Emanoel. The keeper released Paulo César, who advanced and played in Luiz Guilherme. The number 9 touched to João Vitor Couto, who had space on the left flank. The number 10 carried the ball and struck as he entered the area. Rafael Stein attempted to hold it but spilled the rebound. Luiz Guilherme followed up and finished: 1-0.

After the interval, Flamengo continued to create the best chances in the opening minutes, but Botafogo fought back. In the 13th minute, Pedro Pit equalized: 1-1.

The visitors grew into the game and completed the turnaround in the 18th minute through Gustavo Santiago, capitalizing on a loose ball.

Flamengo responded swiftly. In the 25th minute, João Vitor Couto found Luiz Guilherme, who tried his luck from distance. The ball deflected off Luigi Gabriel and found the back of the net: 2-2.

It was Luiz Guilherme's second of the match and his eighth goal of the season.

Both of Flamengo's goals featured direct involvement from the attacking partnership that has been the standout force in the competition. Of the 21 goals Rubro-Negro has scored in the Brazilian U-17 Championship, 12 have come from either João Vitor Couto or Luiz Guilherme—more than 57 percent of their total tally.

In the 37th minute, Flamengo had an excellent opportunity to retake the lead. Ricardo Pietro threaded the ball down the right flank for Jordan Michael. The number 11 dribbled past his marker inside the box but his effort was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

In the closing stages, the match remained intense with both sides searching for a winner. After five minutes of added time, the referee brought the contest to a close.

After the final whistle, Flamengo midfielder Ykaro Santos—wearing number 5—reflected on the result and looked ahead to the team's next challenge in the Brazilian U-17 Championship.

"We fought until the end and I'm very proud of our team for their commitment throughout the match. Now it's about moving on, focusing on the next game and continuing to work hard to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. We'll stay together to achieve that goal."

Botafogo

Rafael Stein; Luiz Alberto, Luigi Gabriel, Herick Garcia (Bryan Julio) and Gustavo Xisto; Miguel Tiburcio, Victor Hugo (Vinícius Gabriel), Pedro Pit and Gustavo Santiago; Bernardo Germano (Ramon Daniel) and Cauã Machado (Gustavo Maciel).
Coach: Douglas Coelho

Flamengo

Bruno Emanoel; Bernardo Nunes (Ricardo Pietro), Paulo César, Nathan Ribeiro and Rafael Barreto; Ykaro Santos, Davi Carrijo (Heitor Gabrielli), Isaac Gomes (Pedro Henrique) and Jordan Michael; João Vitor Couto and Luiz Guilherme.
Coach: Daniel Franklin

Week ahead

Flamengo's U-17 side return to action on Tuesday (25) to face Atlético Goianiense at 15:00 in the 13th round of the 2026 Brazilian U-17 Championship. The fixture will take place at Estádio José Padilha in Gávea.

Match stats

Botafogo 2-2 Flamengo – 12th round, Brazilian U-17 Championship 2026
Venue: Nilton Santos Stadium – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Date and time: 17 August 2026, 16:30
Referees: Carlos Tadeu Ferreira de Castro (RJ), Victor Augusto Camões de Abreu (RJ), Lucas Castro dos Santos (RJ) and Wallace Rogério Rufino de Lima (RJ).
Yellow cards: Rafael Barreto (FLA)
Goals: Luiz Guilherme (43' 1st half, 25' 2nd half), Pedro Pit (13' 2nd half) and Gustavo Santiago (18' 2nd half).