For two years in a row, Flamengo fans felt the expression "from heaven to hell" firsthand. In the space of just three days, the Red-Black team won the state championship and was traumatically eliminated in the round of 2007 of the Copa Libertadores. Many of the current squad were involved in the titles and dramas of 2008 and XNUMX. However, although they say the defeats served as a lesson, the team isn't giving up on the state championship.

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"Our biggest desire now is the Libertadores, but we know the responsibility of playing for Flamengo. If we don't win the Carioca, the pressure here increases. We know what Flamengo is like. One day you're down there and the next you're in heaven," said goalkeeper Bruno, a starter in both seasons mentioned.

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In 2007, Flamengo won a dramatic State Championship final on penalties against Botafogo on a Sunday, and on Wednesday, they were on the field at the Maracanã needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit in the first leg against Uruguayan side Defensor Sport. The victory came, but only 2-0, and the elimination frustrated the fans, tarnishing the shine of the title they had won days earlier.

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In 2008, one of the biggest traumatic events in the club's history occurred. Once again, the state title fell to Alvinegro, and the team would take the field again just three days later for a second leg in the Copa Libertadores round of XNUMX.

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However, this time, the excitement took over the squad, board, and fans. Having beaten América 4-2 in Mexico, Flamengo took to the Maracanã pitch to celebrate the state title and bid farewell to Joel Santana, who was managing the team for the last time. What we saw, however, was a show from Paraguayan Cabañas, who scored three goals and sent the Mexicans through.

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"We learn from our own mistakes. We can't make the same mistakes as in the past. Every year we learn something new. We are experienced and know the difficulties we will encounter. When we reach this point again, we need to stop and talk so we don't make the same mistakes," Bruno continued.

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However, the players don't believe that the proximity of a state title race will harm the team in a Libertadores Cup duel. For them, the strain of a final is no excuse for a setback. The goal is to once again compete in every possible cup this season, without prioritizing any one competition.

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"Flamengo can't afford to relax for a moment. Everyone wants to compete in the Libertadores and the State Championship. If we win the Carioca, we'll win the fourth title, and that means a lot. We need to train hard now so no one suffers later," midfielder Toró, who has been at Gávea since 2006, summed up the general feeling.