After three convincing victories in the first three rounds of the State Championship in their category, Flamengo's youth team returns to the field this Wednesday for the final test before next Sunday's derby against Fluminense. Like the senior team, the red-and-blacks host Americano, but this time in Gávea at 16 p.m.

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The Gávea team leads the competition, undefeated, with nine points, 12 goals scored, and only three conceded. The campaign is good, but the red-and-blacks aren't fooled by that. For right-back Rafael Galhardo, for example, the team can't relax after the victories achieved in the first rounds. The number 2 expects total dedication and seriousness from his teammates to earn three more points and get going on the eve of the first derby of the year.

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"The game against Fluminense is very important, but we're thinking about Americano. It's a tough match, but we'll be playing at Gávea and we have to play our home game to get these three more points in the competition," he said.

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Coach Armênio Moura has already confirmed the team that will take the field this Wednesday: Marcelo Carné, Galhardo, Christianno, Michel Pereira, and Anderson; Luis Antônio, João Vitor, Ricardinho, and Dieguinho; Juninho and Dudu. Goalkeeper Marcelo Carné echoes Galhardo's sentiments and confirms: Flamengo will be looking for a win throughout the 90 minutes.

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"We have another important game and we're going to go for this victory no matter what so we can go into Sunday's Fla x Flu match feeling more relaxed and motivated," he said.

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Flamengo is the only team with a 100% record in the U-20 Carioca Championship. Vasco, Fluminense, and Botafogo remain undefeated, but have stumbled in the past. Flu drew with Volta Redonda, Botafogo with Macaé, and Vasco with Tigres, in addition to being defeated by Botafogo itself.