The professional football department has given the green light, and coach Armênio Moura will count on some players from the senior squad for this Wednesday's decisive match against Botafogo for the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Junior Football Cup. Full-backs Rafael Galhardo and Jorbison, as well as midfielders Guilherme Camacho and Erick Flores, are confirmed for the derby against the Alvinegro. Flamengo needs to beat their rivals 4-0 to secure a spot in the OPG Cup semifinals, having lost the first leg in Niterói 5-1. Despite this, the youngsters are confident.

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"I believe we can get the result. The whole team is motivated, we know how we have to play, and now we have to go out on the field with a lot of desire, play our football, and try to turn this situation around," said Galhardo.

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With the presence of players with professional experience confirmed, the team is expected to field Marcelo Carné, Rafael Galhardo, Michel, Cristiano, and Jorbison; Antônio, Pecka, Guilherme Camacho, and João Vitor; and Erick Flores and Diego Maurício. The match will be played at 16 p.m. in Gávea.