Vasco fans provoked the question in the Guanabara Cup semifinals: "Where's the Empire of Love?" This Sunday at 19:30 p.m., Adriano and Vagner Love will have a great chance to answer. On the field, the Flamengo attacking duo is coach Andrade's greatest weapon in Flamengo's first derby in the Rio Cup.

After intense preparation throughout the week, the Emperor wants to get back to doing what he loves most: scoring goals. He's motivated to fulfill his bet with Vagner Love to finish the competition tied with him in the top scorers list. To achieve this, there's nothing better than making his mark against his biggest rival.

"Over the last four days, I've been training hard to make up for the days I lost, and I'm very motivated. If I do well, it will be great for me," he said.

Love's Top Scorer, Vagner Love, can't wait to play with his teammate again. The number 9 hopes the duo maintains their good form. Together, they've scored 18 goals this year (12 from Love and six from Adriano).

"How can I not miss a player like Adriano? His quality is undeniable. I hope he comes back and on Sunday we can resume this partnership that has been working so well. I want to continue, preferably scoring lots of goals. I'm very happy with the form I'm going through," he commented.

Vinícius Pacheco, responsible for creating plays in midfield and getting the ball to the attackers, was another who celebrated the Emperor's return. For him, with players of the quality of Love and Adriano up front, the job becomes much easier.

"He's a top-notch player and makes our job easier. He's a role model up front, which is great for us. He's a great player who comes back to help us," he noted.

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Coach Andrade also hides his joy at the return of the striker, who didn't play against Resende last weekend or against Caracas last Wednesday. Considered a key player not only in the starting lineup but also in the squad, Adriano's return is eagerly awaited by the manager.

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"I was happy with his return. Adriano is a reference within the group and carries a lot of weight. He's an experienced player who recovers quickly. I expect him to be at least 80% of his potential against Vasco," he concluded.

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Technical Data:

Flamengo x Vasco da Gama
Fourth round of the Rio Cup 2010

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Stadium: Maracana
Date and Time: 14/03/10, às 19h30
Arbitration: Pericles Bassols Pegado Cortez
Assisted by: Hilton Moutinho and Eduardo de Souza Couto

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Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Fabrício and Juan; Toró, Willians, Kleberson and Vinícius Pacheco (Petkovic); Vagner Love and Adriano. Technical: Andrade
Basque: Fernando Prass, Gustavo, Fernando and Titi; Elder Granja, Rafael Carioca, Paulinho, Carlos Alberto and Marcio Careca; Philippe Coutinho and Rafael Coelho (Dodô). Technical: Wagner Mancini.

Read more:

Andrade's only doubt

Inspiration from the past

Strengthened, Adriano criticizes the stance of some journalists

Motivation that comes from the future