Even greater than the proximity between the neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro's South Zone is the rivalry that has grown between Flamengo and Botafogo in recent years. For the past three years, the two teams have played in the final of the Campeonato Carioca. Because of this, every match between the clubs since then has taken on the feel of a championship final. This Sunday (March 21.03st) will be no different. The two teams face off at Engenhão Stadium at 19:30 pm in the second round of the 2010 State Championship.

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Nearing his fifth year at Gávea, midfielder Toró knows all about competing against Flamengo and Botafogo. He's already played 11 matches against his rival. And the record is favorable: six wins, two draws, and only three losses. But for the player, this stellar record won't be reflected on the pitch next Sunday.

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"There used to be a lot of talk about Flamengo and Vasco, Fla vs. Flu, but the rivalry with Botafogo has grown a lot in recent years. We've decided three state championships against them in recent years, and it's natural for that to happen. There's a great team there that will want to win, and so will we," he said.

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In this round's Taça Rio derby, only two Flamengo players were on the field for every match against the Alvinegro: Toró himself and goalkeeper Bruno. The midfielder, however, assures: there are no issues with any of the opposing players.

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"It's a healthy rivalry, which only lasts on the field. We'll go for the three points, do our best, but always respect our opponent," he said.

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Flamengo leads Group A of the Taça Rio (the second round of the Campeonato Carioca) with a 100% record. They've won four of their four matches, and a positive result this Sunday could secure the team a spot in the semifinals.

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Technical Data:
Flamengo x Botafogo

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Stadium: João Havelange Municipal Stadium (Engenhão)
Date and Time: March 21st, at 19:30 pm
Arbitration: Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães
Assisted by: Francisco Pereira de Souza and Marcelo Braz Mariano

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Flamengo: Bruno, Everton Silva, Alvaro, Fabricio and Rodrigo Alvim; Toró, Willians, Kleberson and Vinícius Pacheco (Petkovic); Vagner Love and Adriano. Coach: Andrade.

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Botafogo: Jefferson, Wellington, Antonio Carlos and Danny Morais; Somalia, Leandro Guerreiro, Fahel, Lucio Flavio and Marcelo Cordeiro; Caio and Herrera. Coach: Joel Santana.