Rio de Janeiro - "Flamengo makes a star in futsal." The red banner, with these words painted in white, stretched across the right side of the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium leaves no doubt that this is the home of Flamengo's futsal. And it is there that Mengão hosts Piedade today at 20:15 pm for the third round of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Championship. Since the club resumed sports activities in early 2007, coach Cid Escarlate's team has only lost once playing at Gávea Stadium. And until that first defeat, it was two years of a near-perfect campaign. Now, in a new phase of the project, with more difficulties, the team hasn't even been training at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium. That doesn't mean the court has ceased to be the team's home. "Playing at Gávea is always good; it has a different flavor, without a doubt. It's our home, and our opponents already know they're playing Flamengo, and that's crucial," explains coach Cid Escarlate. The Flamengo fans, who have been enjoying a honeymoon with the basketball team and were a key presence in the team's surprising and thrilling 2008 state futsal title run, are expected in good numbers tonight at Gávea. "Our fans have always supported us, through thick and thin, and they'll be crucial once again. I'm sure they'll continue to be there for us, cheering the team on, and will be a very important factor off the court once again," adds Cid. Duel of leadersFlamengo's other two group members in the competition also take to the court this Thursday night. Vassouras and Petrópolis, the leaders and runners-up in Group A, will battle it out in Vassouras for first place. The home team has a 100% record in the competition and is considered the favorite. The match kicks off at 20 p.m. at Severino Sombra University.