After debuting with a 2-0 victory over Boavista, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (24/01), at 19:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the second game of the Campeonato Carioca, against Cardoso Moreira. Coach Joel Santana warns the team of the difficulties they will face.

"It's a team that will likely play very defensively, with three defenders and three defensive midfielders, with very strong marking and counter-attacking. We have to be intelligent and not force plays through the middle. I want a compact and precise team on the field, knowing how to define the game at the right time. The close results at the start of the season are normal."

The red-and-black manager is expected to field the same team that played yesterday afternoon's training session at Gávea, with Jônatas and Marcinho replacing Cristian and Renato Augusto. The other change in the squad for the match against Boavista could be the return of goalkeeper Bruno, who should have his status regularized today. Joel praised the three new starters.

- "They are three very high-quality players. Jônatas marks very well, knows how to organize the game, and has excellent passing. Marcinho will play as he always does, leading the team to attack. If we can count on Bruno, it will be very good, as he is one of the five best goalkeepers in Brazil, who has grown a lot both technically and off the field."

Joel took the opportunity to say that all the players in the squad will have a chance to play for the main team.

"With so many competitions, everyone will have opportunities to showcase their work. We'll rotate players according to the team's needs, since Flamengo's squad is very similar."