After a vigorous morning workout at the Gávea stadium, midfielder Ibson admitted that the 2-2 draw with Portuguesa made winning the Brazilian Championship more difficult, but not impossible. The number 7 wants the red-and-black team to do its part in the remaining five games.

"Winning the title has become more difficult, but not impossible. We have five games to win and wait for our opponents' results. Now let's focus on fulfilling our role. Unfortunately, we lost important points at home, but we have to think ahead. What remains now is to get as many points as we can and see how things play out in the end. We can't relax in this final stretch. We conceded a few goals due to our own mistakes, and we have to play strong from start to finish."

Ibson believes that a victory in Sunday's classic against Botafogo could give new energy to the Flamengo squad.

"For those who play for Flamengo, the Brazilian Championship has always been an obligation. We always knew the championship was long and highly competitive, and that's why it's not easy to win. But it's not impossible yet. We have to focus on Sunday now and nothing else. With a win on Sunday, everything gets better."

Ibson believes the championship's balance could be a plus for the red-and-black team. The midfielder highlights the matches played by leader São Paulo.

"São Paulo will also have difficult games against teams that are fighting to avoid relegation. That's why I believe we can win the title, as long as we do our part."

For the player, the fans have the right to boo the team when it doesn't play good football.

"Demands come naturally. The team doesn't always play well, and we have to excel on the field. Fans are always emotional and have the right to criticize and boo. But we have to focus solely on training and turning things around."