With Flamengo coming off a good run (only losing to São Paulo in the last eight rounds), midfielder Ibson hopes that the red-and-black team will continue their run towards the Brazilian title tomorrow against Sport at the Maracanã. According to the midfielder, Flamengo has an obligation to win in front of their home crowd.

"The team is doing well despite the last game where the fans expected more from us. But the important thing is always to win. Preferably playing well too. That's not always possible. I hope the team can achieve that tomorrow. The hope is that the team will improve tomorrow, looking for a goal from start to finish. It's a very important game for Flamengo. At home, with our fans, we have to win."

Ibson praised Caio Júnior's decision to keep the same team that faced São Paulo and Ipatinga in the last two rounds of the Brazilian Championship.

“We lost some players and now we're turning things around. We're on a good run and we have to maintain it tomorrow. The team will be the same again, which helps a lot with team cohesion. Despite the loss to São Paulo, we're on a good run. I hope the fans will cheer us on tomorrow from start to finish, and you can be sure we'll fight hard to put on a good performance.”

Flamengo's number 7 player urged caution regarding the team managed by Nelsinho Baptista.

"Sport is doing well in the championship, they won the Copa do Brasil and are already in the Libertadores, which gives us a certain sense of security. We need to be careful with an opponent like that. But we are aware and working seriously to do well tomorrow."