Universidad Católica, Macaé, Madureira, Resende, and Caracas. Flamengo's last five opponents had little to celebrate. They all lost, and only Macaé and Caracas managed to score. These numbers, therefore, demonstrate the improvement of the red-and-black team, especially its defense, which was heavily criticized at the beginning of the year and has been turning things around this season.

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Despite conceding a high number of goals in the first few games of the year, Flamengo had already managed to string together a five-game winning streak this season. They beat Caxias, Volta Redonda, Bangu, Americano, and Fluminense before drawing 3-3 with Olaria. Now, they expect to surpass this feat in Sunday's derby against Vasco at the Maracanã.

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The positive for the defenders is the notable drop in the number of goals conceded by the red-and-black team. In the first five games of the season, they conceded nine, and in the last five, only two. Another important detail: Flamengo has a 100% record in away games. The team has beaten Volta Redonda, Bangu, Fluminense (a classic, but at home), Boavista, Macaé, Resende, and Caracas.

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Vagner Love is the Rubro-Negro's top scorer this season, with 12 goals (10 in the Campeonato Carioca and two in the Copa Libertadores). Adriano, with six, is the second-highest scorer (five in the State Championship and one in the Copa Libertadores). Love also stands out in assists, with five, but the Rubro-Negro's top goalkeeper is Vinícius Pacheco, with eight decisive passes.

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Check out more numbers and interesting facts about Flamengo's football in 2010 at Flapedia.