Flamengo has qualified for the Final Four of the Liga das Américas for the first time in the club's history. One of the players who will be on the court wearing the Manto Sagrado has the chance to win his second international title for the Rubro-Negro, if the team beats Aguada (URU) in the semifinals. Marcelinho Machado, a point guard for the Mais Querido since 2007, won the Liga Sudamericana in 2009, defeating Quimsa of Argentina. The championship was won in Argentina, and the player admits that competing in the final stage against the Nação Rubro-Negra would be indescribable.

 

"Absolutely. We have the opportunity to play the finals of such an important tournament at home, in front of our fans. It's a unique and rare experience, so we have to cherish this moment even more. We were already going to fight hard for the title, but playing at home makes the desire even greater," said Marcelinho.

 

The red-and-black point guard sees the team's commitment as a fundamental factor in Flamengo's arrival at the Final Four, an unprecedented one for the club.

 

"It's a very strong tournament (the League of the Americas) and Flamengo only missed one edition. This year, we're having a very good time; it's a short-term championship and we've done very well. We even qualified with a certain amount of ease, and that's thanks to everyone involved, who gave their all and made our team a very homogeneous and talented group. If it's not one person's day, it's another's. We're getting along very well within the team's playing style and we're reaping the rewards," he praised.

 

Marcelinho has no preference for opponents: he considers all teams qualified and facing any of them will be a tough game.

 

"I think the four teams that arrived, arrived with merit and the conditions to win the championship. First we have to focus on Aguada, which is the one we have ahead of us for sure, and secure the spot," said the player.

 

A veteran of the team, Marcelinho has played countless times at Maracanãzinho. He says that two matches against an Argentine opponent are among the most memorable of his career at the gym.

 

"I have some matches that really left a mark on me. Wearing the Flamengo jersey, I remember the 2008 South American finals against Regatas Corrientes. We were behind in the first two games, and in the two matches we played at Maracanãzinho, we won and the fans threw a wonderful party. We took the fifth game to their home. Unfortunately, we ended up losing the final, but the party in Rio was beautiful and left a lasting impression on me," he said.