This Monday, the red-and-black squad began preparing for the classic against Fluminense, a quarterfinal match of the CONMEBOL South American Championship. Expecting a packed Maracanã stadium, Diego Alves previewed the match during a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room at Ninho do Urubu.

The Mais Querido is coming off a negative result in the Brazilian Championship, but the goalkeeper emphasizes a turning point and a new story to be written in the international competition. "I think the South American is completely different from the Brazilian Championship. Of course, we wanted to arrive with three wins; that was our goal. We didn't manage to play well in São Paulo, but I think the match against Fluminense will be completely different. The competition generates a different spirit among the teams, and it's also a classic," noted Diego Alves.

The chances of another title this season, in addition to the Campeonato Carioca title won undefeated in the first half of the year, are in the hands of CONMEBOL Sudamericana, according to Diego Alves. The goalkeeper commented on the Rubro-Negro's trajectory so far, advocating exclusive focus on each of the competitions currently being contested.

"We enter every competition with the goal of winning. That's how it was in the Libertadores. We managed to reach the final in the Copa do Brasil, but in the Brasileirão we're in a position we don't want. In the Copa Sudamericana, it's a real chance, but the road ahead is difficult," he analyzed. "We'll face teams with the same ambition, always aiming to be champions. At the last press conference, I said the priority was the Brasileirão, but when it comes to the Copa Sudamericana, all our attention must be focused on that game. That's this week's objective," added the number 1.

Before Diego Alves' press conference, Dr. Márcio Tannure, head of the Mais Querido's Medical Department, spoke about the serious injury suffered by Colombian striker Orlando Berrío, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the match against São Paulo. Diego Alves expressed his best wishes for the number 28's recovery, recalling a similar situation he experienced in his career.

"I didn't have the opportunity to see him today, but after the game I was able to give him a hug. I know more or less what must be going through his head. I had a serious knee injury, and in the early stages, we were a bit overwhelmed," he recalled. "What I was able to give him as an experience was peace of mind, being close to his loved ones. Now he has to think about his recovery. He will have everyone's support, as he is an excellent professional. We will all be here to comfort him in the best way possible," the goalkeeper emphasized.