Flamengo is making final preparations for Sunday's derby against Vasco da Gama at 16 p.m. at Maracanã. With an eye on the three points, which would put the red-and-black team in contention for top spot in Group A, coach Joel Santana organized a tactical training session this morning at Gávea.

In the attack versus defense drill, Joel fielded virtually the same team as yesterday afternoon's training session. The reserve team, which is expected to face Vasco on Sunday, consisted of Bruno, Luizinho, Thiago Salles, Leonardo, and Egídio; Airton, Rômulo, Kléberson, and Marcinho; Maxi and Diego Tardelli. The other team featured Diego, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza.

The new additions to the derby are expected to be the debut of young Airton and the return of Rômulo to the first team. Airton, who arrived at Gávea just three months ago, has excelled in the youth team and could get his first chance with the team. Rômulo, meanwhile, underwent knee surgery in October of last year, when he was a standout among the starters.