Defender Álvaro's resume boasts a list of clubs and titles won that would make many Brazilian footballers envious. At 30, he has played for major Brazilian clubs, played in Spain, and even been called up to the national team. He won the Brazilian title with Flamengo last year and was also South American champion with Inter in 2008. However, the player has never played in a derby wearing the red-and-black jersey. His first appearance will be this Sunday at 19:30 pm at the Maracanã.

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In his 16 games for the Gávea team, Álvaro provided two assists, received one red card and seven yellow cards, and never found the net. The defender joined Flamengo in August of last year and could have faced Fluminense and Botafogo in the 2009 Brazilian Championship, but, injured, he missed both matches. There was even talk that he might never play a derby at the Maracanã, which will soon close for the 2014 World Cup, but that moment has arrived.

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"I'm very happy. They even asked me what it would be like to get past Flamengo without playing a classic at Maracanã, and it really wouldn't be nice. But, I'll be able to play on Sunday and I hope the memory stays in my head forever in the best way possible. Everyone says that Fla x Flu is a great classic, that it's the most charming in Brazil and I'll confirm that tomorrow (Sunday)," he said.

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The Flamengo sheriff sees his team improving this season. Flamengo has four wins in four games and remains firmly in the hunt for the Rio de Janeiro state title for the fourth consecutive time. According to the defender, the team is improving its game with each game and organizing its game plan for 2010. He believes the team's only goal is to improve.

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"I believe the team is still continuing its preseason. We had some absences in the first few games, and little by little, things are getting back in order. Even so, we're winning, and that's the most important thing. We're continuing our work, and I'm sure that, as time goes on, the team will be playing its best football," he noted.

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In his first derby match, Alvaro will be tasked with assisting the Tricolor's attack, whose main star is center forward Fred, along with midfielder Conca, a master organizer. The player respects his opponent but assures: he's not afraid of a challenge.

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"Their attack is fast, and they have Fred, who is a killer. And since they play with three defenders, the full-backs provide a lot of support up front, but there's no fear. There's respect, which should exist between all teams. It won't be any different with Flamengo; there will be respect. It will be a great game, and I hope we can come away with a win," he concluded.

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Training this Saturday - For much of Saturday afternoon's activities, coach Andrade conducted a tactical briefing closed to the press. The red-and-black manager, however, has already named the team that will face Fluminense in this Sunday's derby: Bruno, Fierro, Alvaro, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Toró, Fernando, Kleberson, and Petkovic; Vagner Love and Adriano. The match begins at 19:30 PM, with the junior preliminary round at 17:15 PM at the Maracanã stadium.