Flamengo will be without its key players for Sunday's (04.04) match against Friburguense, in the final round of the first phase of the Taça Rio. Already qualified for the final phase of the second round of the Campeonato Carioca, the Rubro-Negro will take to the field with reserve players. And, despite being a bit hungry, the starters support Andrade's decision.

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Right-back Leonardo Moura, for example, considers this the ideal time to give opportunities to players who have not been playing and to give the starters a rest.

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"It's the right time to rest players. It's not good to take risks. We have a decisive match next week in the Libertadores, and Andrade has thought this through. We'll have plenty of time to work hard and secure our qualification against Universidad de Chile," he analyzed.

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Midfielder Ramón isn't the least bit upset by the club's manager's decision. He's not registered for the Copa Libertadores, so he sees every chance to play in the Carioca as a championship final.

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"Andrade hasn't said who will start yet, but if I start the game, I'll try to show my best football. I've already had good chances and this one could be even better," he said.

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Flamengo leads Group A of the Rio Cup with 19 points from seven matches. The team is the only unbeaten team in this second round of the Campeonato Carioca and can secure first place in its group with a draw on Sunday.