Greeted by around 200 fans at the airport, Flamengo arrived in Goiânia early Saturday evening. On Sunday, they face Goiás at 16 p.m. at Serra Dourada in the second round of the Brazilian Championship.

The warm welcome, however, was just the first stage of a journey marked by great challenge. Coach Ney Franco is warning.

"Playing Goiás at Serra Dourada is always very difficult. They have experienced players, and if we're not alert, we'll have a tough time. I know their team will also play with three defenders, and we'll field a strong team to face them," says Ney Franco.

The inspiration for a victory in Goiânia, however, can be found in last year's Brasileirão.

"We had a tough game at Serra Dourada, but the team played with great effort and won 1-0. We were down a man, but we still couldn't concede the draw," recalls Ney Franco, referring to the victory secured with a goal from Obina.

Just like in 2006, Flamengo is expected to field three defenders this Sunday. Ney Franco, however, has yet to decide whether to field Irineu or Moisés in defense, alongside Thiago and Ronaldo Angelim. Another question for the Flamengo coach is in midfield, where Léo Lima and Léo Medeiros are competing for a position alongside Claiton and Renato.

"We're looking for the best formation. Sometimes we work according to the opponent, based on our observations. Other times, we work on the mistakes our team has been making," concludes Ney Franco.