While Petkovic and Juan are already well accustomed to facing VascoFabrício and Vinícius Pacheco only know this rivalry from their youth teams. Both were loaned out in recent seasons and only established themselves in the professional team at the beginning of this year. Therefore, this Sunday's derby (March 14.03) is a first for both players. Vinícius has only played once, but coming off the bench, and Fabrício has never faced his rival.

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A Gávea native, Fabrício is only 20 years old and has played 14 games for Flamengo (eight in 2009 and six this year). He's faced Botafogo and Fluminense, but Vasco is still an unfamiliar opponent for him. At least in the professional team. However, at the youth level, he has fond memories of the team from São Januário. In 2007, he won the Rio de Janeiro youth championship against their rival.

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"I played a lot against Vasco in the youth team, but this is my first time playing for the senior team. I hope to do well. I'm working towards that, to maintain the average of the last few games and continue to please. This is extra motivation, and I'll do my best," said the defender.

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Vinícius Pacheco almost missed out on the chance to face Vasco as a starter in 2006. He played a significant part in the team's Copa do Brasil campaign, during his prime at Flamengo before returning in 2010. However, with the change in management before the final, he was left out of the two final games against his rival.

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"I think this is the first time I've faced Vasco as a professional. I've played a lot at the youth level, and I believe I've even won more than I've lost. But I'm hoping for this chance at the senior level. I'm calm, but of course I get butterflies in my stomach and a different motivation. I hope I can play a great game and help the team get the win," he explained.

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The player himself doesn't remember, but he has faced Vasco, only once, in the same year of 2006. He started on the bench in the match on October 26th, when the team from São Januário won 3-1. Now, the expectation is that Vinícius will help the team achieve a better result, and that Fabrício will debut on the right foot in the derby of the biggest rivalry in Rio de Janeiro football.

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