In the early 1970s, Flamengo boasted a strong squad, featuring Zico, Rondinelli, Cantarele, Julinho, and others. At that time, however, they were just young players seeking to establish themselves in the professional ranks. By the end of the decade, these same players formed the basis of a multi-champion team that lifted every possible trophy until the mid-1980s. In 1974, the season in which they won their 17th State Championship, the then "boys from Gávea" were on the team that faced Avaí for the first time in Brazilian championship history.

 

On April 27th, Flamengo and Avaí played a tight match at the Orlando Scarpelli stadium in Florianópolis. That group, already led by Galinho de Quintino, included a player who would later win the Copa do Brasil and the State Championship as coach of the "Mais Querido" (Most Wanted). In his first year as a professional, defender Jayme de Almeida was one of the players responsible for preventing the Santa Catarina team from scoring and securing the red-and-black team's 1-0 victory.

 

"Our team was very young, and we had the usual concerns about competing in our first Brazilian Championship, but our first half was excellent. Zico has always been our role model, ever since we were kids; we're contemporaries. And that day was no different; he scored the winning goal. Playing there has always been difficult; Avaí usually makes things difficult, but we achieved a positive result. I'm happy to have participated in a game like that," celebrated Jayme.

 

Vanderlei Luxemburgo's assistant coach remembers his teammates fondly. According to him, the team's unique selling point was its ability to blend young and experienced players. This strategy paid off at the end of that season, with the state title.

"Our '74 squad was a mix of the two-time junior champion team, which included Cantarele, Rondinelli, myself, Geraldo, Zico, Julinho, and other more experienced players like Liminha, Renato, Rodrigues Neto, Arílson, Doval, and Luís Carlos. These older guys helped us a lot in our transition to the professional ranks. They gave us a lot of support and confidence, as did our coach (Joubert). It was a year of affirmation for the club. At the end of the year, we were Rio de Janeiro champions, and from then on, we were able to have a beautiful history at Flamengo," he said.

Although it's been just over 41 years since that victory, some facts are forever linked to Flamengo's century-old history. When the Sacred Mantle takes the field, the opponents' commitment is usually doubled. This is nothing new for Jayme de Almeida, who knows perfectly well what the team will face next Sunday (May 24.05). 

"There will be a large crowd at Ressacada, because Flamengo calls for that. Every team is highly motivated to beat Flamengo. Those who play here know they have to face this; they know the responsibility and the pressure they face. Our team is capable of playing well and winning, but we know it will be very difficult. Avaí drew with Santos and lost 1-0 to Inter, but it was a very close game. We won't have it easy on Sunday," he said.