Sense of a job well done: Flamengo returns to Rio after competing in an under-12 tournament in Spain.

The Flamengo under-12 team delegation landed at CT George Helal, on Monday morning (30), after competing in La Liga FC Futures, in Madrid. The long trip - made overnight - was tiring, but it did not take away the sparkle in the eyes of the kids, who were able to get to know another continent and enjoy clashes against top European teams.

After leaving Brazil on the 22nd, the Garotos do Ninho made their debut last Wednesday (25), in a 2-0 victory over Boca Juniors-ARG, with goals from Murilo and Carlinhos. The following day, another respected Argentine rival, River Plate, and another victory, this time by 1-0, with another goal from Murilo.

Flamengo beat Inter Miami-USA 3-1 in the third match of the tournament. Murilo scored twice and Luiz scored the third. On the same day, Flamengo was defeated 2-0 by Palmeiras and qualified as second in Group A.

Saturday was quarter-final and semi-final day. The first qualification came in two stages: a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, with a goal by Murilo; and a 2-1 victory on penalties. The place in the final was secured against Paris Saint-Germain-FRA, with a 2-1 score, with goals by Carlos Bala and Miguel Fernandes.

A week after leaving Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo took to the field to face Real Betis-ESP. After a promising start, with a goal from Carlinhos, the Rubro-Negro conceded an equalizer, and in the final minutes, the opponent scored two more times.

As it is written in their anthem, winning, winning, winning is the Flamengo destiny, but when that's not possible, the feeling of a duty fulfilled in yet another step towards the growth of the athletes guides the work developed in Flamengo's youth categories.