Leo Moura predicts an open game in Sete Lagoas.
The right-back believes that rivalry and pressure will cause both teams to go on the attack at the start of the game.
By From the official website team - inFacing Atlético Mineiro is nothing new for Flamengo. Historically, the teams have played 92 matches, with Flamengo holding the advantage: 36 wins, 28 draws, and 28 losses. Now, in their 93rd encounter, both teams are fighting to escape the bottom of the Brasileirão table, and the Flamengo players are heading to Minas Gerais confident they will achieve a positive result.
Captain Leonardo Moura praises the derby against Atlético Mineiro and predicts an open, frank match, with both teams seeking victory from the start.
"Playing against an opponent like Galo is always good. Because their team plays and lets you play, even on a smaller field. They're going to come at us, they're worse than us. It will be a great game, with sold-out tickets, and it will be good for football," said Leo, who emphasizes the healthy rivalry of the matches against Atlético Mineiro.
"Because of the rivalry, because of everything involved, this game is a decisive one. Even more so in this final stretch of the championship. We're going there looking for the victory. I believe both teams are under pressure and it will be a great game. We want a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, Atlético wants to get out of the relegation zone... We're in a slightly better moment, but it will be a very balanced game," he said.
The player also analyzed Flamengo's season and expressed confidence in securing a spot in next year's Copa Sudamericana, which he hopes will be better than 2010.
"It's a completely different situation today. I think we're at a point where we need to focus on distancing ourselves from the rivals behind us and securing a spot in the Copa Sudamericana as soon as possible. There's a feeling of wanting more, but things haven't progressed. Hopefully next year will be different," he concluded.
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