Flamengo's futsal team will face a veritable marathon next week. The Gávea team plays a derby against Vasco da Gama on Tuesday night in Volta Redonda, in a State Championship match, and from there, they'll head straight to São Paulo, where they'll compete in the 36th Brazilian Futsal Cup. Since the club resumed its adult futsal activities in 2007, this is the first national competition that coach Cid Escarlate's team will compete in.

Flamengo is in Group 2 of the Brazilian Cup, alongside São Paulo, Minas Gerais, São José, and Jardim Limoeiro. The red-and-black team's debut is next Thursday, the 5th, at 19 p.m., against Minas Gerais, at the Presidente Ciro II Gymnasium. On Friday, at 20:30 p.m., the red-and-blacks face São José. On Saturday, their opponent is Jardim Limoeiro, at 19 p.m., and coach Cid Escarlate's team concludes its participation on Sunday night, at 20:30 p.m., against São Paulo.

"It's an important competition. We're going through some difficulties, the team isn't doing very well in the State Championship, but it's always good to play in a tournament at this level. We always have to give our best and I hope we can get good results there in São Paulo," said winger Arthur.

Before heading to São Paulo, however, the Gávea team has a very important commitment in the State Championship. The reigning champion, Rubro-Negro, is fourth in this year's competition with 13 points and faces Vasco on Tuesday, the 3rd, in Volta Redonda. The three points are crucial to keeping Flamengo in the qualifying zone for the next stage of the competition. Petrópolis is the leader, closely followed by Cabo Frio. América is third with 14 points, and Vassouras is fifth with 11.

"Without a doubt, the game against Vasco is seen as a crucial one for our team. We have to go for the win no matter what. Winning a derby always gives us an extra boost, not only in our quest for a second State Championship title, but also because it comes before an important competition like this one," Arthur added.