Vasco won the Brazilian under-20 Championship for the first time, defeating Palmeiras in the final. After losing the first leg 1-0, the team won the decider 2-0 in the second match, with Andrey Fernandes scoring both goals. The title represents a historic milestone for the club's youth academy.
Andrey Fernandes is one of the standout names of this promising generation. Of the eleven starters in both final matches, five have already played for the professional team: Avellar, Samuel, Zuccarello, Andrey Fernandes, and Bruno Lopes. Other players are expected to start getting opportunities soon.
Goalkeeper Phillipe Gabriel, 20 years old, is the son of former defender Luiz Alberto and one of the main gems of Cruz-Maltino's youth academy. He made decisive interventions in the second leg of the final to secure the title. Right-back Lucas Melim, 18 years old, is also part of the team's group of young talents.
