In Rio de Janeiro, everyone's talking about the Campeonato Carioca classics. Even more so after Vasco's 6-0 thrashing of Botafogo last Sunday at the Engenhão stadium. The result raised expectations for a big game next Sunday at 19:30 PM at the Maracanã stadium, when Flamengo will face Fluminense. However, in Gávea, no one is thinking about the classic. At least not yet. After all, on Wednesday, the Flamengo still has another challenge: the Americano.

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Right-back Leonardo Moura knows the importance of a derby. For him, a positive result against a major rival can give the team a boost. However, he emphasizes that Flamengo still has one match before the clash against Fluminense, which will also be important for strengthening the red-and-black team, which has been gradually gaining momentum in 2010.

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"A derby win always boosts morale for the rest of the Championship. The team gains confidence, especially since there are two strong teams in each group, and I believe that by playing well and winning the derby, we'll be in good shape for the final stretch of the Championship. The team is still finding its feet. Some players are coming in, like myself, Adriano, and Love, who only came on in the last game, so the team is getting stronger as the games go by. We have a game before the derby to get everyone at 100% to start strong against Fluminense," he explained.

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Juan, who makes his 2010 season debut this Wednesday against Americano, assures that not only his focus, but that of the entire red-and-black team, is yet to be on the derby. After all, a slip-up against the Campos team could prove costly to the current three-time champions, who are still seeking their fourth consecutive state title.

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"This is a short championship, so we can't afford to slip up. One slip-up could leave us out in the lead. Especially for me, who's just coming back, there's no way I can ignore this game. I'm really focused on the Americano," he said.

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Flamengo is undefeated in the 2010 Campeonato Carioca. Coach Andrade's team won its first three matches in the competition: beating Duque de Caxias 3-2, Volta Redonda 3-1, and also beating Bangu 2-1. Bruno Mezenga and Vagner Love have two goals each.