After four years, Flamengo returns to Maracanãzinho for a truly special occasion. Flamengo will face Franca in the first leg of the NBB final next Sunday (19) at 10:45 am. An important venue for state and national sports, the stadium will host a match for the Mais Querido in the national competition for the first time in its history. The last time Flamengo played there was in the Liga das Américas in 2015. The previous year, Flamengo won the tournament against Pinheiros in front of more than ten thousand fans.

A multiple champion for Flamengo and an important part in winning this title at Maracanãzinho, winger Marquinhos was very happy to learn that the match will be held there.

"When I heard the news that we would play the final at Maracanãzinho, I was very happy because I have a wonderful history there. I grew up watching Flamengo basketball win the Campeonato Carioca and Campeonato Brasileiro there, when Oscar played for the team. So, there's a great atmosphere there; it's a great arena to play in, it's the true home of Flamengo," he says.

After a closely contested series with Botafogo, in which the Rubro-Negro won 3-1, Flamengo will face the Franca team in a duel that promises to move basketball fans.

"The series against Botafogo was very tough and evenly matched. They played top-notch basketball, which elevated our game even further. Now, against Franca, I anticipate another tough and evenly matched match. They have a very resilient team that plays very well as a team with excellent individual talent, so I believe it will be a very close series," he guarantees.

Tickets for Flamengo x Franca are now on sale at guicheweb.com.br/flamengo. Secure your ticket and support Mengão in the final!