After two games away from Rio de Janeiro, the Mais Querido returns to action with the support of the World's Largest Fanbase at Maracanã. The teams face off this Sunday, with kickoff starting at 16 p.m. The match against the team from Southern Brazil will be part of the sixth round of the Brazilian Championship. 

During the week of preparation for the duel against Athletico, midfielder Everton Ribeiro gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu and spoke about the sequence of home games that Mais Querido will have before the break for the Copa América. 

"We're a bit inconsistent in away games, and these home games will be good if we do our part to start well and win, staying well in the table until the break. They're important games, and we're strong at home."

Flamengo didn't play during the week and had time to prepare for this Sunday's game. The number 7 highlighted the importance of the days the squad had to work at the George Helal Training Center. 

"We always ask for training and it's been useful for working on finishing, the team, and making mistakes. I'm sure Sunday will be better and we'll improve even more the next day."

Flamengo has a strong record against Athletico-PR at home in the Brasileirão. In total, they've played 21 matches, 20 in Rio and one in Cariacica, with 14 Flamengo wins, two draws, and five Athletico-PR triumphs. Flamengo has scored 34 goals, while their opponents have scored 19.

Of the 20 games played in Rio de Janeiro for the Brazilian Championship, 14 took place at Maracanã (11 wins for Flamengo, one draw and two wins for Athletico-PR), two in Volta Redonda, two in Macaé and two on Ilha do Governador.

In addition to the two Libertadores games in 2017, the clubs also faced each other in another international competition. The first time was in 2011, in the second phase of the Copa Sudamericana, with the Rio de Janeiro team coming out on top (1-0 at Nilton Santos and 1-0 at Arena da Baixada, both with goals from Ronaldinho).

Flamengo and Athletico-PR decided the final of the 2013 Copa do Brasil. On that occasion, the Rio de Janeiro team came out on top, securing their third championship title. competition, after a 1-1 draw at Durival de Brito and a 2-0 victory at Maracanã.

More than 38 tickets have already been sold for the sixth round of the Brazilian Championship. Rubro-Negro fans can still buy tickets. by clicking here. 

The match between Flamengo and Athletico-PR will be broadcast on Rede Globo and also on GloboEsporte.com

You can also follow the real-time action on Flamengo's official social media channels using the hashtag #FLAxCAP. Follow us on Twitter, at Instagram and like our page on Facebook. FlaTV also brings exclusive behind-the-scenes and match footage to the Rubro-Negra Nation. Sign up with one click, it's free!