Volta Redonda (RJ) – With a new coach, who reflects the club's image, embraced by the fans and in a stadium where they have yet to lose this season, Flamengo plays a crucial game this Thursday (October 07.10th) for their recovery in the Brazilian Championship. In a duel between the red-and-blacks, with Atlético-GO, at 21 pm, at the Raulino de Oliveira Stadium, in Volta Redonda, the team needs a victory to move away from the relegation zone and continue dreaming of a place in the Copa Sudamericana.

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Vanderlei Luxemburgo's debut, in his third stint with the red-and-black team, will be against a close rival who promises to give the Gávea team a tough time. With the promise of a tough match ahead, Luxa worked hard during the days he had to train the team, and the players believe they are more than ready for this battle.

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"It's going to be a very important game. We have to be alert throughout the 90 minutes to get this victory, which is crucial for us. A positive result here will mean a lot to us," said captain Leonardo Moura.

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Without any mystery, the coach has practically confirmed the team that will take to the field this midweek. The only question is who will partner Deivid in attack: Diogo or Diego Maurício. The former started Tuesday's training session, while the latter started Wednesday's training session. With 30 points, Flamengo sits in 15th place in the table. Atlético-GO is very close behind, with 26 points, in 17th.

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"Regardless of who plays, the important thing is that the team is well-positioned and gets a positive result. We know how important this game is and we're going to go for the win with all our might," said striker Diogo.

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Back home – For Vanderlei Luxemburgo, there's no doubt that the game will be special. After 15 years away from the club he always claimed to support, the red-and-black coach returns to lead the Gávea team and hopes to start this new journey on the right foot.

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"This is an important game, we need the win and everyone knows that. It's the first step towards climbing the table, aiming to secure at least a spot in the South American," he added.

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Returning to Flamengo, Luxemburgo won't lead the team at Maracanã, but this debut will feature a stage that appears to be quite favorable to Flamengo. In five games this year, the red-and-black team is undefeated at Estádio da Cidadania: four wins and only one draw.

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CREDITS:
FLAMENGO X ATLÉTICO-GO

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Stadium: Raulino de Oliveira, Volta Redonda (RJ)
Date/time: 6/7/2010 - 19:30 PM (Brasília time)
Referee: Marcio Chagas da Silva (RS)
Assistants: Marcelo Bertanha Barison (RS) and José Eduardo Calza (RS)

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FLAMENGO: Marcelo Lomba, Leonardo Moura, Wellington, David, Juan; Willians, Correa, Kleberson and Petkovic; Diogo and Deivid. Coach: Vanderlei Luxemburgo

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ATLÉTICO-GO: Márcio, Victor Ferraz, Gilson, Daniel Marques and Thiago Feltri; Agenor, Pituca, Roabston, Anaílson and William; Marcão. Coach: René Simões

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