Same opponent, new venue, different competition. This Wednesday, Flamengo faces Santos for the third time this year, this time in the Brazilian Championship, at 21:45 PM at Pacaembu Stadium in São Paulo. And Flamengo vs. Santos has been a game that's worth more than 90 minutes lately. 

After two duels in the Copa do Brasil, where Mais Querido secured a spot in a dramatic match at Vila Belmiro last week, this Wednesday's clash is for third place in the standings at a crucial time for both teams. 

In fifth place with 29 points, Flamengo will overtake Santos, who currently sit in third place with 31. They will also close the gap on leaders Corinthians to nine points. Earning three points against a direct rival will put Flamengo firmly in the title race. 

And it was precisely in this tone that defender Juan gave an interview in the Victorino Chermont press room at Ninho do Urubu this Tuesday. For the most experienced player in the squad, a victory in this match is essential for the red-and-blacks' ambitions. 

"We're missing a win, that's what we're looking for. To reach the top of the table, we need to win away from home, and that's a fact. But another fact is that we competed on equal terms against the teams at the top. It's very important that we continue like this. During the matches, there are details that work against us, but we need to value our collective play. Corinthians is the team to beat, the league leader. Playing at their home ground is difficult, and there we showed that we can face anyone on equal terms."

Flamengo and Santos have faced each other 62 times in the Brazilian Championship, and Flamengo has the upper hand. Flamengo has won 23 matches and suffered 18 losses, with 21 draws. In the last championship match, Santos won 2-0, with goals from Guerrero and Diego, in November 2016. Remember what it was like through the Fla TV cameras. 

Flamengo has not lost to Santos in the Brazilian Championship since 2014. In that period, four matches were played, with three draws and one victory for the red-blacks. 

Flamengo fans must enter Pacaembu exclusively through gate 22. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium from 10 a.m. until the end of the first half. The price is R$200,00 (R$100,00 half-price).

Flamengo fans will be able to watch the match on TV Globo and Premiere FC. TV Globo will broadcast the event in RJ, SC, PR, MG, ES, GO, TO, MS, MT, BA, SE, AL, PE, PB, RN, PI, MA, PA, AM, RO, AC, RR, AP, and DF.

 

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