Joel Santana, the fans, Ibson, and Fábio Luciano all deserve a spot in the Copa Libertadores.

Eduardo Peixoto

From GLOBOESPORTE.COM

Flamengo 2-1 Náutico, August 11th. The victory was hard-fought, with a goal from Leonardo Moura in the final minutes. But that match had many of the ingredients that, combined, took the Red-Blacks from the relegation zone to a spot in the Copa Libertadores.

A week of training camp in Teresópolis, with Joel Santana on the bench, Ibson on the field, Fábio Luciano's debut, and over 34 paying fans in the stands with the team in second-to-last place. The positives continued until Sunday, when a 2-0 victory over Atlético-PR, led by former coach Ney Franco, secured Mengão's place in the continent's premier tournament.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM listed ten reasons for the red-and-black team's surge in the Brasileirão. Check it out:

1 "Daddy" Joel Twelve points. This is how Joel Santana found Flamengo in the Brazilian table. Games in hand aside, the team had only managed one victory at home until then (against América-RN) and the squad was emotionally devastated. But Joel knew how to control the situation at all times. Whether in depression (two consecutive defeats against Santos and Atlético-PR, for example) or in euphoria (after a victory over São Paulo). It's no wonder he's treated like "daddy" by the players.\ 2 Ibson Returning to Brazil after two and a half years in Europe would certainly be considered a step backward for many young players. Ibson disagrees. The player left Porto on loan and rediscovered the joy of playing football in Gávea. A midfield powerhouse, he scored six important goals and maintained his idol status with the fans. It's no wonder he's called "Ibshow".\ 3 Tactical scheme On paper, Flamengo's lineup with four defensive midfielders borders on defensive. But it was in this way that Joel was able to free up the full-backs and give consistency to the defense. The "sieve" of the Ney Franco Era gave way to a team that rarely concedes a goal at Maracanã.\ 4 Fábio Luciano Moysés, Irineu and Thiago Gosling drove Flamengo fans crazy in the first half of the season, such was the number of grotesque errors. It was enough for Fábio Luciano to debut in August for relief to come. The sheriff commanded the defense, became captain and identified deeply with the Flamengo mystique. The board acted quickly and renewed the defender's contract until the end of 2008.\ 5 Supporting Players Souza even deserved more attention because of the final stretch. However, his bad temper at the start of the Brazilian Championship really hampered Flamengo. But the striker improved a lot and gained points with the fans. Cristian turned red and black to the skin and was also important in the reaction. Bruno's defenses were another difference. Not to mention Toró, Rômulo, Angelim, Renato Augusto, Maxi, Jaílton...\ 6 Fans The difference in the Brasileirão. He embraced the team when it was falling down the table. It filled the Maracanã and guaranteed eight of the ten largest audiences in the competition. A show.\ 7 "Wherever you are, I will be" The 'Victory Theme', adapted from Internacional's fans, became the reaction anthem. He made his debut in the game against Atlético-MG and won over the whole of Brazil. Even the players have learned the lyrics and never tire of singing them.\ 8 The Board of Directors made an effort to keep salaries up to date, despite the financial suffocation. The disastrous signings of the first half of the year were replaced by useful reinforcements - Cristian, Maxi and Roger - and other fundamental ones - Ibson and Fábio Luciano - for the turnaround in the Brazilian Championship. He also gave full support to the anti-euphoria measures taken by Joel Santana. See long periods of concentration and trips to Granja Comary. The legal department made the difference in Joel Santana's acquittal and in securing a suspension of spectator attendance at the game against Atlético-PR.\ 9 Fullbacks Leo Moura started poorly and became a reference point at the end. Juan took the almost opposite path. But whether on the right or the left, Flamengo owes much of its campaign to the full-backs.\ 10 Luck Juventude beat Palmeiras at Palestra Itália; Grêmio was surprised by Figueirense at Olímpico; Cruzeiro conceded a goal in the 47th minute of the second half from Inter. The brief list of stumbles by their rivals shows that Flamengo also had some luck in the final stretch to secure a spot in the Libertadores Cup.