Flamengo's quest for a third national championship title takes its second step this Friday night. After beating Vila Velha/Cetaf/Garoto/UVV/PMVV 99-70 in its debut, the Rubro-Negro, current NBB champion, will face Guaraná Antarctica/Vitória/Saldanha da Gama at home at HSBC Arena at 19 p.m. The Gávea team is complete and coming off a victory in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, where they crushed Cabo Frio 130-49, and will be seeking their second triumph in the 2009/2010 New Basketball Brazil.

Motivated by their home opener victory, Flamengo is banking on defensive play against the Espírito Santo team. Winger Marcelinho, the best player in the last NBB season, believes that a strong defense and a quality attack could be the key to his team's victory this Friday.

"The opponent has offensive power, with good shooters from the three-point line, and they mark very hard, without giving any space. Therefore, in the match, we need to be patient and move the ball around a lot," said the number 4.

According to coach Paulo Chupeta, Flamengo isn't expected to face an easy match. On the contrary, the coach believes the red-and-black team's mission against Saldanha will be quite difficult. Not only because of the opponent but also because of the marathon of matches his team has been going through. 

"Our squad is weakened both physically and technically because we're also competing in the Campeonato Carioca. And we won't have Duda, who's the team's foundation," explained Chupeta, noting that the point guard received his second technical foul and was suspended. Dedé is expected to be the substitute. Alírio, Fred, Jefferson, and Ian, all injured, will also miss the match.

Chupeta also expresses concern about a longtime acquaintance of the red-and-blacks: Cuban Amiel Vega, who is currently one of Saldanha's standout players. "We need to keep our eyes peeled, especially with Cuban Amiel, who will be making his debut. Saldanha is coming off a loss and will want to win at all costs," he concluded.

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Cheapest tickets at HSBC Arena. Seats cost R$20,00 (R$10,00 for half-price tickets)