One of Flamengo's standout players in the second half of the Brazilian Championship, Chilean Maldonado spoke this afternoon after training at the training center about his expectations for Sunday's match against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium. According to the number 13, the Flamengo team is treating the match like a real final.

"It will be a different game. We're now in the top four and we'll do everything we can to stay there. It's always harder to stay there. We respect Atlético-MG, but we also want a spot in the top four and the Brazilian title. It will be a very tactical game, and whoever has the best mindset will win. It will be important for the team to adapt quickly to the game and maintain possession."

Maldonado thanked Flamengo for calling him up to the Chilean national team.

"I owe a lot to Flamengo. I hadn't been called up for 20 months, and now this opportunity has come up close to the World Cup. It's the result of the work I'm doing here, with a lot of dedication and professionalism. I knew that at Flamengo, the visibility would be huge. Now it's up to me."