With 12 games remaining in the Brazilian Championship, coach Caio Júnior says the red-and-black squad is focused on decisive action. Even knowing the difficulties of the next match, against Sport on Saturday at Maracanã, the red-and-black manager is confident the team from Gávea will perform well.

"This is the moment to assert ourselves. These are decisive games, and we're very focused. We're definitely going after the title. Saturday's game will be tough, like all the others. We're working hard to play better than we did in the last two matches."

Caio Júnior spoke briefly about the qualities of the Sport team. The Copa do Brasil champion, led by Nelsinho Baptista, is currently unbeaten in six matches in the Brazilian Championship.

"Sport has an emotional advantage over the other teams. With their spot in the Libertadores guaranteed, they play very relaxed and without much worry. Sport has a very strong defense and experienced players. They're in good form and are on a six-match unbeaten streak. We'll face a very strong opponent."

Caio Júnior called up the red-black nation for the final push in this Brazilian Championship.

"The fans have to fill the Maracanã and help us in our quest for this trophy. The fans can believe in us, because we're going to fight hard. We're counting on them."