With many changes compared to the team that debuted with a victory over Fluminense and betting on the traditional mix of youth and experience, the Flamengo team returns to the field, this Saturday (24.09), for the U-23 Cup. Betting on players known to the red-black fans, such as Rômulo, Fernando, Leo Medeiros and Leandro Amaral, combined with promises that will have the first chance to start playing, such as Alex, Amendoim and Lucas, the Rubro-Negro faces Palmeiras, at 15:30 pm, at the Los Larios stadium, in Xerém.

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The Flamengo lineup hasn't been confirmed yet, but it's certain that captain Leo Medeiros will once again play a key role. A player who commands the midfield and possesses a leadership spirit within the group, Leo knows his responsibility and says he's ready to guide the younger players and dictate Flamengo's pace in the match.

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"It's a nice responsibility to know that the coach trusts you and that you can help the group. We made a good impression in the first game, and now we have to do even more. The championship's response has been very positive, and we see this competition as a great opportunity to improve and showcase our football. We're highly motivated, and we're also working hard, and despite knowing that there will be tough games, both against Palmeiras and Inter next week, we'll go after the wins and, consequently, the title," he said.

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Having been with the club for ten years, midfielder Rômulo has always had his dedication and identification with the red-and-black jersey praised by everyone he's worked with. This group is no different. Another player who enjoys the full confidence of coach Renato Trindade, he says he's delighted with the opportunity and dreams of new opportunities with the first team.

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"I have ten years of experience at Flamengo, and I think that's important. I talk a lot and try to help everyone in any way I can. We have a strong team, and I was very happy with Fernando and Leandro Amaral joining us. It's always a pleasure to wear the Flamengo jersey; the work is being done very well, and now we have to continue showing our football to have a chance in the first team, as was the case with Saba and Marquinhos, for whom I was very happy. It's proof that hard work, with humility, can be rewarded," said the midfielder, who also highlighted the positive response to the U-23 matches.

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"Many people believed that perhaps this championship wouldn't receive much attention, but we're seeing a lot of news in the press, players being promoted to the main team, and I'm sure that participating in this championship is very worthwhile. And, as always with Flamengo, we're in the running to win the title," he added.

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The likely red-black lineup for the match is: Vinícius, Alex, Lucas (Dão), Rômulo and Henrique; Antônio, Fernando (Talles), Leo Medeiros and Willian Amendoim (Vander); Cristian Borja and Leandro Amaral (Juninho).