Flamengo will face América on Sunday at 16 p.m. at Engenhão Stadium, and will play with the support of more than just their own fans. Third in Group B of the Taça Rio with nine points, Vasco is hoping for help from their rivals to secure their spot in the semifinals. As América is second in the Vasco group, a victory for the red-and-blacks would be welcomed at São Januário Stadium.

Regardless of what their old rival thinks, Flamengo's mandate is to remain focused. Even with qualification for the decisive stage almost assured, as they lead Group A of the Rio Cup with 16 points—six ahead of third-place—the Red-Black team wants to keep winning to build momentum.

"Given the strength of our squad, we have to go out there with everything we have. We have to honor our name, Flamengo. We need to do our part to qualify as well. We're going in to win," said Juan.

Regarding the potential support from the rival, the left-back preferred to ignore it. Juan prefers to think that winning is always welcome at Gávea.

"We're only concerned about ourselves. Whatever's good for us is what we'll do. And here, only victory is a good result," Juan concluded.

On the other hand, Vasco could also make Flamengo's life easier in the Taça Rio, as they face Fluminense, also on Sunday. Tricolor is fighting for first place in Group A, and if Vasco wins the derby, Flamengo, if they beat América, could be very close to sealing first place in the group stage of the competition.