Next Wednesday, Flamengo faces Universidad de Chile at the Maracanã Stadium, needing a win to reclaim the lead in Group 8 of the Copa Santander Libertadores da América. And if the match is against a Chilean team, there's nothing better than knowing Maldonado and Fierro's expectations for the matchup.

"El Pistolero," as he's known in Chile, Fierro expects a tough match against his compatriots. According to him, "La U" has a strong team that has been giving them a hard time both in the South American competition and in the Chilean Championship.

 "They have a strong team, which is having a great campaign in Chile and in the Libertadores, so it will be a very difficult game," said Fierro.

For midfielder Maldonado, the match is even more important individually. After all, he's starting a run of matches after missing four months due to a knee injury.

 "It really helps to be playing regularly. It gives you confidence, your mindset changes in a Libertadores game, and it would be a great opportunity to play with everyone in Chile watching. For me, it would be great to start and stay as long as possible. For that reason and also for my recovery," said the number 13.

Come, Nation!
Chileans have only one request for their fans: come to Maracanã. In Flamengo's Copa Libertadores debut against Universidad Católica, nearly 30 fans turned out to witness the red-and-black victory, and this time, the players want even more support.

"Their fans sing a lot, they always support the team, and I'm sure ours will do the same on Wednesday. Flamengo's fans are huge, they support a lot, and we count on them," said Fierro.

"La U" fans are expected to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the match. Fierro even met with some of them this week. The player returned to the Marvelous City on Thursday after playing a friendly in Santiago and has already bumped into some diehards on his way to Rio.

"On the flight when I returned from Chile, there were already some Chilean fans coming here for Wednesday's game," he concluded.