Flamengo secure semi-final spot in Rio de Janeiro Under-20 Championship with 4-1 aggregate

Flamengo have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Rio de Janeiro Under-20 Championship. On Friday, October 30, the Rubro-Negro drew 1-1 with Sampaio Corrêa at CT George Helal in their second-leg quarter-final tie.

Following a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg at Estádio Lourival Gomes in Saquarema, the Carioca side closed out the tie with a 4-1 aggregate scoreline. Diego Queiroz's goal sealed progression to the final four.

The match

Flamengo fielded an experimental and youthful starting XI, with eight players born in 2008 — all in their first year in the U-20 category. Despite their advantage from the opening fixture, the side maintained competitive intensity throughout a closely contested first half, with both teams creating chances. However, defences dominated and the scoreline remained goalless at the interval.

The second half continued in a similar vein. On 23 minutes, Sampaio Corrêa broke the deadlock through Lucas Noronha. Flamengo pushed for an equaliser as the match wore on, and found their leveller in the 41st minute. Following Rafinha's cross to the far post and two saves by the opposition goalkeeper, Queiroz seized on the loose ball and finished past the keeper to make it 1-1.

This was the defender's second goal in the competition and fourth of the season. The result confirmed Flamengo's passage with a 4-1 aggregate victory.

The Rubro-Negro will face Vasco in the semi-final, with date, kick-off time and venue to be confirmed.

Flamengo

Pedro Henrique Batista; Gabriel Amâncio, Diego Queiroz, Miguel Távora and Ítalo (Daniel Silva); Luiz Felipe and Enzo Pinheiro (Diego Guimarães); Andrew (Josmar), Diego Reyes (Rogério Araújo) and Gustavo Ramires (Rafael Henrique); Victor Hugo (Juliano).

Head coach: Marcelo Salazar.

Sampaio Corrêa

José Carlos; Luan, Lucas Noronha (Matheus Cerqueira), Guilherme and Cauã (Daniel); Cristian and Matheus (Ryan); Higor (João), Matheus Guimarães (Molina) and Kauan Conceição; Wilcker.

Head coach: Leonardo Guimarães.

This week's fixtures

The Rubro-Negro return to action on Tuesday, November 3, at 4.30pm (BRT) to face Operário-PR at Luso Brasileiro in the second-leg quarter-final of the Copa do Brasil Under-20. The first leg ended 0-0.

Match statistics

Flamengo 1-1 Sampaio Corrêa – Second leg; Quarter-final of the 2026 Rio de Janeiro Under-20 Championship

Venue: CT George Helal – Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Date and kick-off: October 30, 2026, 3.00pm (BRT)

Referee: Sabrina da Silva Gomes Elino (RJ), Lucas Profirio dos Santos (RJ), Yhago Vieira Mendes Vila Nova (RJ) and Pedro Paulo Lima Barros (RJ).

Yellow cards: Matheus Cerqueira (SAM), Cristian (SAM), Guilherme (SAM), Diego Guimarães (FLA), Cauã (SAM) and Juliano (FLA).

Goals: Lucas Noronha (23', 2nd half) and Diego Queiroz (41', 2nd half).