With Grêmio, São Paulo, and Cruzeiro all winning in this 29th round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo takes the field tomorrow against Atlético-MG at Maracanã needing a victory to return to the top four of the competition. Coach Caio Júnior knows the responsibility the team carries and believes it will be a good test for the red-and-black team.

"The obligation to win will always exist. Playing later forces us to do so, but it happened against Náutico too, although the players didn't know the results. Now they know, and we'll see how they react. But there's a positive side. The fans also know and go to the stadium knowing what they need to do to help us. Encouragement until the end is essential. São Paulo won at the end, Cruzeiro won with difficulty, Grêmio scored the second goal in the last minute. It'll be like this. Evenly matched until the end. We're unlikely to have any thrashings."

Caio Júnior says that the unity between the red-black team and the fans will be fundamental in this final stretch of the Brazilian Championship.

"There was a surge last year, the players experienced it, and so did the fans. They know it was a national event. The fans make all the difference in this final stretch."

Flamengo's coach will only announce the team's starting lineup moments before the match. At left back, Luizinho and Sambueza are vying for a spot.

"I haven't decided on the team yet. I know who's playing, but I'll only announce it tomorrow so as not to give any clues to the opponent. Luizinho and Sambueza have a chance of playing."

Caio Júnior assured that Flamengo's squad is experienced enough to handle the absences of Fábio Luciano and Juan.

"The group is more mature and experienced today, which could be crucial at the end of the season. Without Fábio Luciano, we lost some of our experience, and without Juan, our offensive prowess. But we'll do everything we can to fill this gap. The squad is strong and has replacements."