Flamengo's youth team has another crucial match this Wednesday afternoon. In the penultimate round of the second phase of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Cup, the red-and-blacks, leaders of Group B, host Independente de Macaé in Gávea at 16 p.m., seeking early qualification for the knockout stage.

Flamengo has 14 points from eight games in the competition. They've won four, drawn two, and lost two. The team is coming off a setback against Volta Redonda, away from home, last weekend, and will hope to bounce back against Independente, who have won two and drawn one of their last four games. 

"Sometimes, a defeat can change a lot. We talked after the game, the team decided to adopt a different approach, and I think the setback came at the right time. Now the focus is on working hard to secure a spot in the next round," said goalkeeper Marcelo.

To gain three more points, which could guarantee the red-black team a place in the round of 16, coach Armênio Moura will send Marcelo Carné, Rafael Galhardo, Cristiano, Henrique and Vitor Saba; Antônio, Wellington Pecka, Dieguinho and João Vitor; Vinícius Paquetá and Diego Maurício onto the field.

"It's going to be a tough game. We've already played Independente away from home and only managed a draw, but we know how important a good result is, which could even guarantee us a place in the next round. Playing at home, we have to win," he added.