Fans who think that because Flamengo won't be playing in the Guanabara Cup final against Vasco da Gama on Sunday, the squad will have the next few days off are mistaken. Quite the contrary. It's time to work even harder, already thinking about the Copa Libertadores da América, which begins next Wednesday, the 24th, for the red-and-blacks, who will host Universidad Católica at Maracanã.

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Coach Andrade hopes to use these days to strengthen his team's defense, particularly against balls in the box. After all, this was not only Botafogo's main weapon in the GB Cup semifinal, but it's also considered a strength of several teams competing in the international competition.

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"In the Libertadores, we'll often play on smaller pitches, and there's a lot of aerial play. We have to work hard and find a way to neutralize these plays," he said.

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In addition to Universidad Católica, Flamengo faces another Chilean team in the Libertadores group stage, Universidad do Chile, and a Venezuelan team, Caracas FC.