History was made at Estádio Luso Brasileiro on September 9, 2025, as Botafogo’s women’s under-20 squad clinched their first-ever Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino Sub-20 title with a gritty 1-0 win over archrivals Flamengo. In a final brimming with tension, drama, and no shortage of heart-stopping moments, it was Rebeca’s stunning strike that wrote a new chapter in the club’s storied rivalry with Flamengo, giving Botafogo sweet revenge after last year’s heartbreak.
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere was electric. Both sides came into the decider at full strength—Botafogo led by coach Alex Alves, and Flamengo marshaled by Filipe Torres—each determined to etch their names into the history books. The teams lined up in familiar 4-3-3 formations, with Botafogo starting Isadora in goal, a backline of Paola, Grazy, Thaynara, and Karolzinha, and a midfield anchored by Natara, Bebê, and Cabral. Up front, Rebeca, Analu, and Rhaissa formed the attacking trident. Flamengo responded with Bibi between the sticks, flanked by Bruna, Sofia, Carol Martins, and Isabela Nunes in defense, and a midfield trio of Cerqueira, Nicoli, and Anna Luiz, while Kaylane Vieira, Lean, and Brendha spearheaded the attack.
The early stages were a tactical chess match, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Botafogo’s high pressing caused Flamengo problems, though clear-cut chances were few and far between. The first real opportunity came via a flurry of corners for Botafogo, but the Flamengo defense stood tall, with Bibi punching away danger and Isabela Nunes marshalling her side from the back.
As the first half wore on, the tension ratcheted up. Both sides saw players receive yellow cards—Karolzinha for Botafogo and later Rhaissa for a robust challenge in midfield. Injuries and substitutions added to the drama, with Bruna forced off for Flamengo after a heavy collision, replaced by Laura Mariah. Cerqueira also had to leave the field, making way for Duda Mattos, as coach Filipe Torres was forced to reshuffle his lineup earlier than planned.
But then, in the 45th minute, the final found its moment of magic. Rebeca received the ball on the left, glided inside, and unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box. The ball soared, clattered off the underside of the crossbar, and nestled in the top corner—unstoppable, uncatchable, and utterly unforgettable. “Atacante do Fogão, Rebeca faz um GOLAÇO no Luso-Brasileiro! É O GLORIOSO NA FRENTE DO PLACAR!” read the jubilant match report, capturing the euphoria that swept through the Botafogo ranks. The goal sent the team into halftime with a slender but precious lead.
Flamengo, stung by the deficit, came out swinging in the second half. They pressed higher, pushed more bodies forward, and tested Isadora with a series of shots and set pieces. Yet Botafogo’s defense—anchored by Grazy and Thaynara—held firm, repelling wave after wave of Flamengo attacks. Isadora herself was called into action several times, notably denying Anna Luiza with a smart save and commanding her box during a barrage of corners.
Botafogo’s resilience was nearly rewarded with a second goal in the 36th minute, when Rhaissa pounced on a defensive error and fired home. But the celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for a handball in the buildup. The tension was palpable—could Botafogo hold out, or would Flamengo find a late equalizer?
Substitutions flowed as both coaches sought fresh legs and tactical tweaks. Botafogo brought on Laira, Coutinho, Kelly, Tallane, and Bya, while Flamengo introduced Nina Garrit, Alice, Maria Fernanda, and others in a desperate bid to turn the tide. The closing stages saw Flamengo throw everything forward, with Kaylane and Leane both coming close—Leane even rattling the post with a fierce drive. But the Botafogo defense, marshaled by the tireless Karolzinha and the composed Isadora, refused to buckle.
Seven minutes of added time were signaled, and every second felt like an eternity for the Botafogo faithful. There were nervy moments—a scramble in the box here, a last-ditch clearance there—but when the final whistle blew, the celebrations erupted. Botafogo had done it. For the first time in their history, the club lifted the Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino Sub-20 trophy, avenging their defeat to Flamengo in last year’s final and capping a remarkable campaign.
The journey to the title had not been easy. Botafogo’s road featured a dramatic penalty shootout win over Santos in the quarterfinals after overturning a first-leg deficit, and a hard-fought semifinal against Internacional. Flamengo, for their part, had breezed through the knockout rounds, dispatching Fortaleza and Corinthians with clinical efficiency. But on the biggest stage, it was Botafogo’s night.
The rivalry between these two clubs in the women’s under-20 category is storied and intense. In 14 previous meetings, Flamengo held the edge with seven wins to Botafogo’s four, and the rubro-negro side boasted more than double the goals scored. But this final marked a power shift, with Botafogo not only claiming the title but doing so against their fiercest rivals, on a night that will live long in the memory of players and fans alike.
“É tempo de Botafogo!” rang out across the stadium and social media as the team celebrated. For Rebeca, the match-winner, her goal was more than just a moment of individual brilliance—it was the exclamation point on a season of collective effort, resilience, and belief. The squad’s unity, tactical discipline, and refusal to be cowed by past disappointments made all the difference.
As the dust settles, Botafogo can savor a historic triumph. Their under-20 women’s team has set a new standard, inspiring a new generation of players and supporters. For Flamengo, the pain of defeat will sting, but the rivalry is far from over—no doubt, they’ll be plotting their response for next season.
For now, though, it’s all about Botafogo. Their name is etched onto the trophy, their fans are singing into the night, and Rebeca’s golazo will be replayed for years to come. The Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino Sub-20 has a new champion, and the future of women’s football in Rio just got a little more exciting.
