Focus on getting the three points. That's what Andrade wants from the match against Madureira this Wednesday at 21:50 PM at Maracanã. And the red-and-black coach expects to see a more focused and dedicated team, even against an opponent considered small.

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The coach has already spoken with the players and explained his work methodology: the three points won against teams considered smaller will be as important as those won in the derbies.

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"We need to focus to face any opponent. Three points are crucial, both against smaller teams and in derbies. We have to stay focused and stay focused. A loss against a smaller team could knock us out of the semifinals. I've already warned the team about this. A good example is the second half of the match against Macaé," he explained.

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Besides demanding seriousness, Andrade listed another fact: most of the teams in Flamengo's group (B) won their matches in the first round of the Taça Rio. Only the teams that faced Vasco and Botafogo were defeated.

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As the teams in the Rio Cup face rivals from the other group, according to the red-and-black coach, it is difficult to predict how many points will be needed to qualify.

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"Almost every team in our group won. Only Vasco and Botafogo won in the other group. That's why we can't afford to slip up against the so-called smaller teams. This group is used to pressure, and we're going after the title in the second round. We know how important that is. Last year we won two titles, and we do want to reach this final against Botafogo," he said.