"For anyone, the shirt is worth as much as a tie. Not for Flamengo. For Flamengo, the shirt is everything. This has happened many times: when the team gives nothing, the shirt is hoisted, unfurled, by invisible hands. Opponents, referees, linesmen, then tremble, intimidated, cowardly, beaten. Perhaps the day will come when Flamengo will not need players, nor coaches, nor anything. The shirt, open at the bow, will suffice. And in the face of the opponent's impotent fury, the red-and-black shirt will be an impregnable bastion."

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The text by Tricolor's Nelson Rodrigues reflects Rodrigo Alvim's feelings after scoring his first goal for Flamengo. The player entered the field during the second half of the Flamengo's 3-1 away victory over Caracas FC this Wednesday in the Copa Santander Libertadores. Alvim was brought on to help the defense, as the team had lost Toró, who was sent off, and praised the team's dedication.

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"It seems like this shirt has a magic, something different, that is unbelievable. We were at 10, but it seemed like we had more than that. More than 11, 12, 13, 14... It's incredible," he celebrated.

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Alvim performed so well in his role that he even scored a goal. It was his final blow for the Venezuelan team, securing Flamengo three more points in the competition. In a seemingly unassuming play, he took the ball to the right corner of the field, spotted the open space in the opposing defense, entered the box, and tapped it past the goalkeeper.

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"There's no individualism here. Kleberson ran, stole the ball, passed it to me, and I noticed the space, tried, and was lucky to score," he explained.

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Rodrigo arrived at Gávea with the Campeonato Carioca already underway, and only became available after the Taça Rio. Signed as a left-back, the player demonstrated his versatility in training, and against Caracas, he played as a defensive midfielder.

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Read more:
- Scorer of Love, Race and Passion
- A victory with Flamengo's face