For the sixth time this year, Bruno Mezenga is expected to start for Flamengo. Close to reaching his highest number of appearances in the 11th starting lineup for the Rubro-Negro team, the striker will have his first chance to play 90 minutes in the Copa Santander Libertadores da América.

In 2005, when he first moved up to Flamengo's professional team, Bruno started seven Brazilian Championship games. This year, he's already started five: four in the state championship, plus a friendly in Brasília. But this is his first time playing in the South American competition.

"I'm excited. It's a great opportunity, everyone wants to play in a Libertadores match and I hope to perform well, if I'm actually selected by Professor Andrade," he celebrated.

In four matches this season, Mezenga has started in place of Adriano, and he already knows the responsibility of replacing the Emperor in this new challenge.

"Of course, replacing Adriano is a huge responsibility; he's a very important player and will be a huge loss for our team. But I hope to replace him with dignity and help Flamengo achieve victory, which is very important for us," he explained.

The striker's goalscoring average this year is very good. In seven games, five as a starter and two as a substitute, he has already found the net four times. Interestingly, all of them in Volta Redonda. In other words, this Thursday he could score his first professional goal for Flamengo at Maracanã.

"It would be great. It's important to help the team, and if I can score a goal, I'll be even happier," he concluded.