The game itself is already very important. Flamengo faces América Mineiro this Saturday (21), at 19pm, at Maracanã, for the second round of the 2018 Brazilian Championship. After the draw in the debut, Mais Querido wants the victory at home, in front of its fans, to also travel with morale for Wednesday's clash for the Conmebol Libertadores, against Santa Fé, in Colombia. 

Fan club members get more Flamengo on game day: discounts and priority access to tickets to watch the game at the stadium and on pay-per-view, and beer to watch on TV! Click and feel the pride of being a fan club member.

After Wednesday's draw, the team returned to work with a training match on Thursday, against Tigres, and more preparation for the duel against América. This Friday, the right-back Rodinei spoke to journalists at Ninho do Urubu, about how the team is doing for the game, especially about Julio Cesar's farewell. 

"Regardless of being fired, we have to give a response to the fans. The Maracanã will be packed, Julio is an idol to everyone. Let's see what the coach will pass on so we can come away with the three points," said Rodinei. 

Check out the full press conference on FlaTV. 

the farewell

Flamengo and América-MG will play a crucial match. But the star of the showdown could be none other than goalkeeper Julio Cesar. After more than 10 years in the game, he will make his farewell appearance in front of the nation, at the Maracanã stadium where he shone so brightly. It will be an emotional match. but the player himself preaches the importance of seeking results at home, for the rest of the championship. 

"Playing this match has nothing to do with a tribute to me. It's about what I've shown in training. Flamengo wouldn't be irresponsible enough to field an unfit player. I'm well prepared and had the opportunity against Atlético-GO, where I played 45 minutes and performed well. It will be an important game; it's the second round of the Brazilian Championship, and if we win, or if we've made our contribution, I'll be able to do my part. The match coincides with an important period in my career, but Flamengo is bigger than Julio Cesar. The fans come to support Flamengo, not just Julio Cesar. The match is special, but I know my responsibility. I want to thank the fans who are buying tickets; I feel honored and flattered. I hope the Maracanã is packed to support Flamengo, not Julio Cesar. We need the fans on our side, and with them, we are much stronger," Julio stated. 

You can watch the goalkeeper's press conference on FlaTV, probably his last as a player. 

Flamengo x America

And the game? Yes, we have a game, and it's a very important one. Flamengo and América Mineiro haven't faced each other many times in history. There have been only 27 duels, with the red-and-black team having a clear advantage: 16 wins, five losses, and six draws. In the Brazilian Championship, there have been 10 matches, with five wins for Flamengo, two for América, and three draws. 

The first meeting was in 1917. Playing at the Prado Mineiro stadium in Belo Horizonte, Flamengo won the friendly match 2-1, with goals from Juarez Nery and Calvert. Seven years passed until another meeting, and this time Flamengo didn't forgive. Also in Belo Horizonte, Mengão defeated the Minas Gerais team 8-1, with goals from Junqueira (3), Nonô (3), and Aché (2). To this day, this remains the biggest win in the match. 

Flamengo hasn't lost to América Mineiro in 18 years, at Maracanã (1-2, in October 2000). Since then, there have been eight matches, with one draw and seven red-black wins: 2x1 in a friendly match in 2011; 3x2 and 2x1 in the 2011 Brazilian Championship; 1x0 in the 2016 First Division; 2x1 and 1x0 in the 2016 Brazilian Championship; 1x0 in the 2017 First Division.

Tickets

More than 40 tickets have been sold for the match. On Saturday, tickets will be on sale at Maracanã from 10 a.m. until the end of the first half at all ticket offices. Tickets will also be on sale at Gávea Stadium from 10 a.m. to 15 p.m. Some official Flamengo stores will also be selling tickets on the day of the match. Check times, prices, and locations by visiting Red-Black Nation website. 

Transmission 

Flamengo x América-MG will be broadcast exclusively on Canal Premiere. Fan club members get more Flamengo on match day: discounts on Sky packages with pay-per-view and beer to watch on TV, and perks at official stores to wear the jersey! Click and feel the pride of being a fan club member.  

Social media coverage

You can also follow the real time on Flamengo's official social networks, using the hashtag #FLAxSFE 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!