Flamengo's senior team isn't the only one facing two classics in the same week. The under-20s are also looking forward to facing two rivals in the coming days. This Wednesday at 16 p.m., the Flamengo team begins a decisive series for their Guanabara Cup aspirations. The team hosts Vasco da Gama at Gávea Stadium, and with a win, they'll take the lead in the competition. Next Sunday (March 28.03), the team plays Botafogo away from home, and a victory will put their title hopes firmly on track.

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Vasco da Gama is currently leading the first round of this year's Campeonato Carioca de Juniores. They have 25 points, two more than Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo. Therefore, the red-and-blacks only depend on themselves to win the Taça Guanabara, which is played on a points-based basis. This Wednesday, the team hopes to take another step closer to the trophy. In the only derby they played this year, Flamengo defeated Fluminense 1-0 at Maracanã.

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"It's going to be an important game, just like the one against Botafogo on Sunday. We know how important this week is. We've trained hard and we're going to do our best to get the win," said defender Christianno.

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Coach Armênio Moura made some changes to his team for the derby. Full-back Galhardo and midfielder Saba, suspended, will not play, as will defensive midfielder João Vitor. Saba, who was sent off against Resende, expressed regret at missing such an important match.

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"Right after I was sent off in the last game, I thought, 'Against Vasco?' But it happens. It's a tough week, with two decisive games, but that's how it is. The team excels in tough games like these," he said.

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With the changes, Flamengo enters the field with Marcelo Carné, Alex, Christianno, Marlon and Jorbison; Luiz Antônio, Michael, Dieguinho and Guilherme; Vinícius Paquetá and Diego Maurício.