After this afternoon's collective training session at CT Ninho do Urubu, attacking midfielder Marcelinho Paraíba stated that the entire Flamengo squad is treating the match against Cruzeiro on Sunday at Mineirão Stadium as a real showdown. According to the player, a victory could put Flamengo more in the running for the Brazilian title than ever before.

"We'll play with respect for our opponent, but we have to impose our own rhythm. We have to enter with great desire and seriousness because this is a championship final for us. Now it's the home stretch, and we need to win to keep dreaming. If we win, and São Paulo and Grêmio stumble, our chances increase significantly. But if we lose, we could also fall out of the top four. It's a decision, and we have to face it that way."

Marcelinho praised the Minas Gerais team and said that Flamengo will have to fight hard to get a good result in Belo Horizonte.

"We're facing a great team, one that has perhaps the best midfield in Brazil. So it won't be easy, and we'll have to fight until the end. We need to be careful not to misplace too many passes and defend well when we don't have the ball. Cruzeiro is playing at home and deserves a lot of respect, even after the loss to Náutico."