Eduardo Vieira and Thiago Barros

Sports Journal

Rio de Janeiro - The final stretch of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Futsal Championship is approaching, and the standings in each group are being determined. Flamengo and Piedade face off this Saturday at 17 p.m., eyeing third place in Group A. Flamengo, the reigning state champion, is playing at its home stadium, the Hélio Maurício stadium in Gávea, and is looking to avenge the defeat it suffered when it played away to Piedade. The result of the first Metropolitan clash between the two teams is still on the table for Flamengo fans. An unexpected and inexplicable rout in favor of Piedade: 6-2. Therefore, the team from Gávea has extra motivation for tonight's decisive match. "This loss wasn't easy to swallow. We've overcome it, of course, but there's that extra desire to get even, which is normal in any sport. We'll go in with a lot of seriousness and a lot of desire to get this result," says winger Saulo. Coach Cid Escarlate has already defined his team for the match: Rafael Pazos, Paulinho, Xandó, Henrique, and Diego. Players better known to the fans, such as defender Magrão and winger Saulo, are on the bench, as is center Jaxwel. Experienced winger Leco is doubtful for the match. "We'll go with our full strength and I believe that if the team does what it knows, it can get this victory and secure third place, which is important for the next round," he adds.