Marcelo cheers as Fluminense beat Bangu in Copa Carioca U20 | OneFootball

Fluminense defeated Bangu in the third round of the Under-20 Carioca Championship and takes the temporary lead in the competition. The match marked not only the tricolor's triumph but also a series of special reunions in Xerém. The Xerém kid, Marcelo, was present at the stadium named in his honor to watch Felipe Canavan's team win. Another reunion was with Thiago Neves, the Brazilian, Carioca, and Copa do Brasil Champion midfielder with the tricolor, who made his debut as a coach for Bangu's team.

How Flu's goals were scored

After hitting the crossbar with a free kick by Paulinho from the left, the Tricolor opened the scoring with Keven Samuel. At 33 minutes, the striker, returning from professional football, exchanged a backheel pass with Naarã Lucas and appeared in the small area to find the net for the first time in 2026. After a beautiful play, he also earned a penalty converted at 13 minutes into the second half by Vagno.

Marcelo comments on his return to Xerém to watch the match

"Whenever I come, it's an immense joy. I remember the things I experienced here, where it's my home, so I can't come to Brazil without stopping by Xerém. I met a lot of people, which is very nice. I formed a family and have many friends here. I came today to honor Canavan and, of course, the players too. I'm very happy to be back, supporting the Under-20 and always with Fluminense, in my stadium. There's nothing better," said Marcelo, who played in the tricolor's youth team with Felipe Canavan, the team's coach.

PHOTO BY MAILSON SANTANA/FLUMINENSE FC

Thiago Neves also comments on the joy of this reunion with Fluminense

"Being here, in a club where I made a beautiful history, I think, for me, there are no words. I have a great affection for Fluminense. My debut as a football coach, in the Under-20, here in Xerém. Nothing more wonderful than this day," stated the former player of the Warriors Team.

PHOTO BY MAILSON SANTANA/FLUMINENSE FC

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.