Even with a significantly modified team to face Botafogo on Sunday at Maracanã, coach Joel Santana hopes for another victory, which would maintain Flamengo's lead and unbeaten run in the Taça Rio.

- "Every game is important for us, even more so when it's a derby. It will be a very difficult game, against one of the best teams in the league, but we're going for the win. We're defending our unbeaten record and our lead, so we're going to win," said the manager, who believes a victory would boost morale for Wednesday's match against Nacional.

The coach confirmed that he will field a mixed team, with Bruno; Léo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales and Egidio; Jailton, Gávilan, Jônatas and Toró; Renato Augusto and Obina.

- "This is the team. Today they did a good job in tactical activity. Tomorrow we will organize a training session to see if they repeat the good performance they had."

Joel highlighted the importance of the game for some athletes, such as Renato Augusto and defender Leonardo.

- "It's a very important game for some players, like Renato Augusto and Toró, who need to get a little more into the swing of things. Leonardo and Gávilan can take advantage of the opportunity to gain more confidence, as they've only played a few times this year."