When Joel Santana arrived at the club a little over three months ago, the team was battling relegation and had even finished second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship. Now the situation is very different.

With 52 points and in sixth place, the team has the first opportunity to reach the group of the top four, thus having the possibility of reaching the 2008 Libertadores. For the coach, the fifth consecutive victory could put the team in the group of those who qualify for the competition.

"Our approach here at Flamengo has always been to keep our feet on the ground. Now, against Corinthians, if we can achieve our fifth consecutive victory, we could have the opportunity to finish in the top four for the first time."

In the relegation zone, Corinthians travels to Rio de Janeiro desperately seeking three points. Therefore, the red-and-black coach expects a tough game at Maracanã.

"Corinthians is a big and very dangerous team, so much so that they beat Grêmio, São Paulo, and Santos. It will be a battle, but we're going for the three points."

For the match, the coach counts on the support of one of Flamengo's main weapons: the fans.

- "We have to play to win. We'll be at home, in front of our fans, who have always supported us. We have to use this to make our lives easier."