Upon returning to training at Ninho do Urubu, Juan gave a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room, following a recovery session with the players who started yesterday's 2-1 victory over Junior Barranquilla. It was a special triumph for the 38-year-old. By scoring the equalizer, Juan tied Júnior Baiano's record and became Flamengo's all-time leading scorer, with 32 goals.

This Friday (24), the statistics were confirmed by the club's Historical Heritage department, reducing the previously established number by one goal. With a smile on his face, Jun joked about the situation. "That's the life of a defender. We never score, and when we do, they take us out," he commented. "I didn't know I had come close to Júnior. I knew he had 33 and, in my calculations, I had 32. As I said yesterday, breaking this record for Flamengo is a source of pride, as is equaling the record of Júnior Baiano, who is a personal friend and helped me a lot at the beginning of my career. We will continue to do everything we can to help Flamengo," said the defender.

Despite having the match that will decide a spot in the CONMEBOL South American final ahead, this weekend the red-and-black team's focus turns once again to the Brazilian Championship. Seeking a direct spot in the next edition of the Copa Libertadores da América, the Mais Querido will face Santos and will count on the support of the Nation on Ilha do Urubu to secure a positive result.

"It would be a mistake to skip this step. It's a goal we started way back in the Brazilian Championship. We've fluctuated a lot, we've been criticized, but we're close to securing this spot in the Libertadores. Starting tomorrow, we'll start thinking about that. It will be a very difficult game, because Santos has a very qualified team," said Juan.

The defender stated that the squad's attention is fully focused on the match against the Santos team this Sunday (26), with the ball rolling from 19 pm. The importance of both competitions was highlighted by Juan, preaching game-by-game thinking.

"We're getting close. We have a big challenge in the return leg. We saw Junior's quality yesterday. It will be tough, as a South American semifinal should be, especially away from home. But our minds are on Santos, our next opponent. Next Monday, we'll focus on that game again," he predicted.

It hasn't been decided yet. We had a quick chat with Rueda today, mostly to congratulate him on yesterday's game. Starting tomorrow, which is the second day, when fatigue really sets in, we'll analyze the situation. On Sunday, those in better condition will take the field.

The desire is to always play strong. There are few games until the end of the year, but many so far. It's difficult to live with this contrast, but it's necessary. Our group is large and qualified. In this final stretch, the most important thing is that whoever takes the field is 100% ready to help Flamengo, regardless of their name.

Personally, I'm with Muralha every day. He's our teammate and a great person. Every day, whether he's playing or not, we praise him. He's a guy who works hard every day and gives his all in training. The fans have to support him, like every other player. Everyone who wears this jersey deserves the fans' support.

In the locker room, I'm thrilled to have pulled off that comeback. We'll take the advantage back to Barranquilla, even if it's a small one. I'm also happy with everyone's work during the game. But from now on, my mind is focused on Santos. It would be a victory that would give us a lot in this final stretch of the season.