On Thursday night (23.03), Flamengo will have its full strength to face Tigres, at 19:30 pm, at Engenhão. In first place in group A of the Taça Rio, with 13 points, the Rubro-negro is not only thinking about giving even more rhythm and cohesion to the team, but also in qualifying for the semifinals of the competition.

With another victory, Flamengo could secure a spot in the decisive stage of the Taça Rio. To do so, Boavista, Bangu, Duque de Caxias, and Olaria would need to lose their matches in the same round.

Regardless of the fans' disapproval of their group opponents, Flamengo will have key players back this Wednesday. Juan, who was suspended, Leo Moura, returning from injury, and Maldonado, out since last year, return to the starting lineup. Álvaro, who sprained his left knee, will be absent. He will be replaced by David.

Excited about the opportunity to have almost his entire starting lineup available, coach Andrade especially celebrated the return of Chilean Maldonado. After two matches in which he hit the post, he starts in place of Toró, who had taken over the position but is suspended.

"Maldonado did training sessions, training matches, and he told me he's ready and confident. I have no qualms about putting him on the field. He'll go as far as he can and will let me know if he feels anything. If he notices fatigue, I have a replacement, Rodrigo Alvim," Andrade noted.

David, Alvaro's replacement, is also happy. The player was one of the heroes of last season's sixth Brazilian championship and hopes to have a run of games to maintain his place in the starting lineup.

"I'll try to seize this opportunity I have now. I'm sad about Alvaro's absence, he's a great teammate. I admire him as a player and a person. However, I'm happy for the opportunity, which is coming up again. I'll try to do what I know. I'll also speak, like Alvaro, who has a leadership role with the group. I'll do my part to help the team achieve victory," he said.

Petkovic remains in the starting lineup, and Império do Amor is more than confirmed for the match against Tigres. The team will field Bruno, Leonardo Moura, David, Fabricio, and Juan; Maldonado, Willians, Kleberson, and Petkovic; and Vagner Love and Adriano.

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CREDITS:
FLAMENGO X TIGRES

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Stadium: João Havelange Olympic Stadium, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Date/time: 24/3/2010 - 19:30 PM (Brasília time)
Referee: Djalma José Beltrami Teixeira (RJ)
Assistants: Rodrigo Pereira Joia (RJ) and Gilberto Stina Pereira (RJ)

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FLAMENGO: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, David, Fabrício and Juan; Willians, Maldonado, Kleberson and Petkovic; Vagner Love and Adriano. Coach: Andrade.

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BRAZILIAN TIGERS: Rodolpho, Ronaldo, Paulo Cesar, Ze Carlos and Celico; Leão, Denis, Geovani and Daniel Silva; Clayton and Gilcimar. Coach: Sorato.