Flamengo's team and fans left Maracanã last Sunday night disappointed. Everything was conspiring for the Red-Blacks to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship and, with it, take a big step towards their sixth national title. However, the team ended up with a 0-0 draw with Goiás and remains in second place, one point behind São Paulo, the leader. In the next round, the São Paulo team faces the same Goiás in Goiânia, and Flamengo faces Corinthians in Campinas. The task is difficult, but despite this, the Red-Blacks remain hopeful.

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"We won't give up. The championship is still open. They (São Paulo) will take on Goiás, and it won't be easy," said Emperor Adriano, whose speech was backed by coach Andrade. "Everyone is aware that São Paulo can stumble, and Flamengo can win. Anything is possible at this point. I believe it."

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The manager acknowledges that his team was anxious during last Sunday's game. He believes the team could have made better use of its chances against Goiás, but he assured there was no lack of commitment, much less euphoria, due to the fans' massive pre-match celebration.

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"We've been playing with this adrenaline for a while now, with no room for mistakes. A loss would have knocked us out of the running. Of course, there was some anxiety. They're human beings, and this pressure is normal. The team went for the goal, even in the wrong way; there was haste. But it wasn't a lack of commitment or fight. Perhaps the anxiety may have gotten in the way. The players weren't involved in this, nor did they know there was a parachute situation, nor was there any arrogance. Perhaps it was exhaustion, anxiety, and haste at the decisive moment. But I think this championship will only be decided in the final round," he analyzed.

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One of the most experienced players in the group, midfielder Kleberson says there's no sense of disappointment or anything like that. For the number 15, the red-and-black team is fully capable of continuing its fight for the Brazilian title.

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"It was a good opportunity for us to be ahead. But there's no disappointment at all. We know the potential of our group and we knew these last three games would be tough. We faced a team that defended very well. We could have won, but at least we managed to make up a point. Now, we have to win and hope São Paulo stumbles too," he said.