"Starting with a win is always very important. We played well enough to win, and we know we'll improve throughout the championship."

Left-back Juan, a standout player in the club's victory over Friburguense in the Campeonato Carioca opener, praised the Gávea team's start to the competition. According to the number 6, starting the Taça Guanabara with a positive result is always crucial.

"We played well enough to win, and a win in our opening match is always very important. We know we need to improve, and we will. The team will improve technically, tactically, and physically throughout the championship. For a debut, it was very positive. We were confident, played intelligently, and took advantage of the opportunity. They played very defensively, which made things very difficult. The heat also hindered us. Even so, we overcame the adversity and managed to win."

Juan hopes that Flamengo will maintain its strong performance in the next round of the Campeonato Carioca, Thursday, at 16:30 pm, against Bangu, in Volta Redonda.

"It'll be another tough game. We'll be playing on a smaller field than we're used to, which could make things more difficult. But we're going for our second win. The Guanabara Cup doesn't allow for many mistakes, because it's a short-term championship. Every game and every victory are crucial."