The most anticipated day of the year so far has arrived. This Wednesday, Flamengo makes its Copa Libertadores debut against Universidad Católica at 21:50 PM at the Maracanã Stadium. The reigning Brazilian champions, Flamengo, enter the international competition with high expectations and hope to meet them in their first match. To achieve this, the team relies on the quality of its attacking duo and the youth of a surprisingly well-placed center-back.

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Vagner Love and Adriano, the "Artilheiro do Amor" (Love Gunner) and the "Emperor," are the biggest stars of the red-and-black team, and they're hungry for victory. Both failed to score in the Guanabara Cup semifinal, when Flamengo was defeated 2-1 by Botafogo, but they're already hoping to terrorize their opponents again this Wednesday. The Chileans know the talent of the red-and-black duo, and Adriano understands the importance of a strong debut in the Libertadores.

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"For me personally, it's very important to play in the Libertadores, especially for Flamengo. I know the responsibility of this debut, and I hope to do well to start well and help Flamengo forget the loss to Botafogo," said the Gávea number 10, who took the opportunity to call on the fans: "I ask the fans to come and cheer us on, because their presence is always very important. They give us a lot of affection, they always have, and our fans are an extra man on the field. They will certainly give us the strength we need to continue working."

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While the team relies on the experience of its forwards and other players like Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Juan, and Kleberson, it also relies on the youth of a defender unafraid of major challenges. Fabrício, who replaced Ronaldo Angelim to form a larger defense, is confident he's ready for his first Libertadores match. The defender wants to prove he's mature enough to be a starter in such a prestigious competition.

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"Every player works their whole life for a chance like this. Now it's about knowing how to make the most of it. There's no such thing as being a starter or a reserve here in the squad. Each player's moment matters. I spent six months in Germany, but it wasn't good because I didn't play much in my position. But I gained experience, and that was important. Now, here, I have everything I need to do well in my position," he commented.

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Opponent – Having not won a title since 2005 and having a poor run in the Chilean Championship, UC sees the Libertadores as a chance to bring some joy to its fans. Its key players are Dias, Mirosevic, and Morales. The team's last victory came on February 2nd: 4-0 over Santiago Morning, currently 14th in the standings. Since then, they have lost three times. The team plays with three defenders and only one forward. To learn more, check out the X-ray prepared by the team at Flamengo's official website.

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FLAMENGO X UNIVERSIDAD CATÓLICA (CHI)

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Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Date / Time: 24/02/10 - 21h50
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (PAR)
Auxiliaries: Nicolás Yegros (PAR) and Emigdio Ruiz Roa (PAR)

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FLAMENGO: Bruno, Léo Moura, Álvaro, Fabrício and Juan; Willians, Toró, Kléberson and Vinícius Pacheco; Vagner Love and Adriano. Coach: Andrade.

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CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY (CHI): Garces; Fuentes, Nena and Martinez; Carreño, Henriquez, Valenzuela, Damian Dias and Toloza; Mirosevic and Juan Morales. Coach: Marco Antonio Figueroa.

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