Next Saturday (February 15.02), Flamengo's under-20 team will face a major challenge: a derby against Vasco da Gama, in Itaguaí, at the club's home ground. The match will be part of the eighth round of the first half of the Campeonato Carioca and is even more important due to the fact that only one point separates the two teams in the standings. Midfielder Caio Quiroga is confident about the match.

"Flamengo vs. Vasco is one of the biggest rivalries, not only in Brazil but in the world as well. We're looking to win this game to reaffirm our strong performance, having lost the last one. It'll be a hard-fought derby. Even though it's away from home, it's still winnable. We'll go all out to stay up there in the table," he said.

Flamengo is in fourth place and needs a win or draw to avoid being overtaken by Vasco. The red-and-blacks will be coached by Marcelo Buarque, who will be in charge of the team for the third time. Caio Quiroga has nothing but praise for the group's new leader.

"It's only been a few days, but I'm enjoying his work. The whole group is enjoying it. Not just Marcelo Buarque, but Celso Martins (assistant) as well. They do a serious job, just like Cleber and Marcinho (former coach and assistant) did," he said.