Midfielder Cristian expects a tough match against Sport on Sunday at Ilha do Retiro. He believes the Northeastern team will put pressure on Flamengo from the opening minutes.

"The pressure will be intense there. Playing at Sporting's ground is always tough; the fans show up and push their team forward, but we're well prepared and confident we can do well there. We need to maintain our lead, and that's the mindset we're going to Recife with. We need to be careful because they'll come out swinging early. We have to defend well and go out and play as well."

For Cristian, seeing Flamengo in first place in the Brazilian Championship is the greatest motivation to overcome all challenges.

"It's really nice to be in the lead, to wake up in the lead. The work is more enjoyable, they talk about Flamengo as the first place. Last year we had difficulties away from home, but this year it's been different. We need to stay focused so we don't fall with a defeat. We'll try to stay in the lead for a long time."