Last Sunday, Flamengo defeated Sendas in São João de Meriti 2-1 in the match that concluded the first round of Group B of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup, now in its second phase. With the result, the red-and-black team closed in on Leme, the group leader and next opponent for coach Armênio Moura's team in the competition. Since the team doesn't return to action until next Sunday, the coach will have the entire week to prepare the group for the match. Right-back Rafael Galhardo, who has had a few opportunities with the first team this season, is one of the players hoping to make the most of the training. The number 2 for the youth team has a great chance to recover from a thigh injury. On Tuesday afternoon, he was already participating normally in activities with his teammates. "I still don't know if I'll play on Sunday, but I hope to train well and be able to participate. It's a crucial game, everyone wants to play, and I'm sure that, with me or another player in my position, the team will do its best to get the win and aim for first place in the group," said Galhardo. Flamengo has 10 points in the OPG Cup. They have three wins, one draw, and one loss, precisely against Leme, in their debut at Ninho do Urubu. After that, the team thrashed Bangu 5-0, beat Volta Redonda 4-2, drew 1-1 with Independente, and closed out their first-round participation with a 2-1 away victory over Sendas.

The game against Leme will be this Sunday (18/10), at 13 pm, at CT in Rio de Janeiro.