Flamengo was going through a different period. (Almost) the entire unforgettable generation of the 80s had already retired. A new generation of talented youngsters was emerging, tasked with keeping the "Mais Querido" (Flamengo's Favorite Club) at the top. Names like Djalminha, Paulo Nunes, Marcelinho, Junior Baiano, Piá, and Nélio were the fans' hope in this new era that was emerging. Talented, without a doubt. Some were already emerging with above-average talent. But they were young. And to help in this mission, Carlinhos asked for help from more experienced players.  

Goalkeeper Gilmar Rinaldi, experienced and a champion with São Paulo and Internacional. Gottardo, one of Brazil's best defenders, a two-time state champion with Botafogo. And two guys who knew Flamengo very well: Zinho and Gaúcho.   

Zinho was already a phenomenon. A native of Gávea, he was Brazilian champion in 1987, the Copa do Brasil champion in 1990, and the state champion in 1991. He was already collecting ribbons from an early age. And Gaúcho, who left Flamengo to see the world in 1984, returned home and was instrumental in the conquest.   

It was already a strong team, but the key piece that gave the future champion the lead came from the team that conquered the world in '81. It was him: Leovegildo Lins da Gama Júnior, or just Junior. "Just" would be blasphemy. Júnior was absolutely the heart and soul of that Flamengo team in '92. At 38, he knew what he represented for that generation and for the nation. The last remaining member of the team that had won everything from the previous decade. He was everyone's leader and Carlinhos' representative on the field. And about Carlinhos: everything that has been said about him is still not enough.   

Brazil had its sights set on Botafogo, Vasco, and São Paulo. The red-and-black team's campaign in the first stage wasn't the best, and the team was seriously threatened with not qualifying for the next stage. The home loss to Sport Clube dropped the team to 12th place and was considered the final straw for the team's hopes, and only a sensational comeback would save the championship.  

And she came.   

First, a 4-1 win over Paysandu. Then a draw against Portuguesa away, but the standings still helped. Wins were still worth two points, and everything was very tight. The wins against Goiás and Internacional, combined with poor results from direct rivals, were the salvation, and the team qualified in fourth place.  

Flamengo arrived. They arrived in a deadly group. Sharing the room were Vasco, the undisputed leader of the first phase, São Paulo, the reigning national champion who would win their first World Cup that year, and the ever-dangerous Santos. Vasco and São Paulo were the favorites, but Flamengo had a well-known weapon: the Maracanã.   

It couldn't be without drama. São Paulo won the head-to-head match against Flamengo in the penultimate round, taking the lead in the group. Vasco, the favorite, was collapsing with consecutive draws. And it all came down to the final match.   

Flamengo vs. Santos, Vasco vs. São Paulo. Flamengo had to beat Santos and hope their archrival Vasco could hold off São Paulo. Possible? Yes. To chants of "Give it up!" from the Vasco fans at São Januário, Vasco secured their only victory in the quadrangular. A perfect result for Flamengo, who were simultaneously dispatching Santos 3-1 at the Maracanã. Qualification secured, and the road to the final was clear.   

You know that story from the 1981 World Cup? Flamengo against a favorite team, that whole thing, and suddenly 3-0 in the first half and the score was sealed? That's how the Most Beloved took the field on July 12, 92.  

In the opening minutes, the calling card. Junior received the ball in midfield and noticed Renato Gaúcho coming for a tackle. He dribbled to the left. The forward, not satisfied, tried again. He dribbled to the right. At that moment, on that specific play, all of Brazil was certain who would be the champion that year.   

And, 15 minutes in, the first collapse came. Piá burst into the box from the left and passed to Gaúcho at the penalty spot. The center forward worked his way through the box, the ball passed through and found Junior, who, with a sliding tackle, opened the scoring. Botafogo opened the scoring and got back up. For what? Fabinho won the challenge with determination and found Nélio free. The number 10 played the ball between goalkeeper Ricardo Cruz's legs and extended the lead. Once again, Botafogo was on the ropes, but insisted on getting back up. Their fans were already throwing white towels onto the field, but there was still time for another blow. And it came four minutes later. Piá, once again, delivered a masterful cross for Gaúcho to score the third. Technical knockout. Three collapses in the first round of the battle.  

Was it necessary to play the second game? It was, according to the rules and to the delight of the fans. Those who missed the first game would have the chance to see the second, since Botafogo's fans were small in number: about a thousand people. So, a week later, on July 19th, the Maracanã was packed. Really packed, like a packed Maracanã on a Sunday afternoon. One hundred and twenty-two thousand people crammed in to see the fifth title.   

Before the ball even rolled, tragedy struck. A section of the grandstand railing gave way, causing dozens of people to fall directly into their seats. Three later died. Still unaware of the tragedy, the teams began the final.   

Botafogo pretended to have hope. They even tried, for honor's sake. Junior, with a masterful free kick at the end of the first half, extended the lead to four. It was his last goal in a final for Flamengo. His last final. His last title. The fans were already celebrating the inevitable title when Júlio César scored another early in the second half. There was nothing more Botafogo could do, and the two equalizers were scored in a celebratory atmosphere. No one cared. The 5-2 aggregate score demonstrated the extent of the superiority and supremacy of a team competing in—and winning—its fifth Brazilian Championship final.   

Brazil was Rubro-Negro again. The title that ended a dynasty. The title that the last of the '81 Heroes lifted for everyone to see and understand: things might not be going well, but if they let Flamengo reach a final...