Pride of the Nation debuts in the Champions League this Wednesday (03)

Minas replaces Penãrol (URU) in Group D and is Mengão's first opponent

By Helena Petry - in 01/02/2021 às 21:02

The Pride of the Nation's Champions League debut is just around the corner. This Wednesday (03), at 20:40 pm, the duel between the top-ranked teams in the NBB kicks off the Group D clashes of the continental competition. Minas Tênis Clube replaces Peñarol, from Uruguay, who withdrew from the championship. At home, FlaBasquete hosts the first bubble of the group at Maracanãzinho, with the matches being broadcast live on DAZN. On Friday (05), Flamengo and Instituto Córdoba (ARG) face each other at the same time.

A 2014 League of the Americas and World Cup champion, winger Marquinhos has extensive experience in international competitions. Seeking another title, the red-and-black analyzed the team's current form, which will compete in its third championship in less than two weeks. At the end of January, the "Mais Querido" won the Super 8 Cup by defeating São Paulo 79-71 at the Antônio Prado Jr. Gymnasium (SP). Two days later, they took to the court in the NBB for a three-match streak - and three wins - that ended last Sunday (31).

"It's difficult to play two, even three championships, and we've been experiencing that for the last month. We played the Super 8, the NBB, and now we're starting the Champions League. We know this competition is a big dream for Flamengo, and we have to start well. We already have a match against a major rival here in Brazil: Minas, who are first in the NBB and have won 17 times. We know it's going to be a tough game, so we need to go in with a lot of energy to win this match," said the number 11.

Flamengo finished the last edition of the Champions League Americas with the silver medal, defeating Quimsa (ARG) 92-86 at the Antel Arena in Montevideo (URU). After strong performances by the Rubro-Negro in the qualifiers and playoffs, securing a spot in the final undefeated with eight wins in eight matches, the competition was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming in October for the final, a single game on neutral ground.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, Ambev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Committee of Clubs (CBC).