Andrade's memory took him back 29 years to this Wednesday night. In 1981, "Tromba" was there, alongside Adílio, Leandro, Zico, Júnior, and so many other stars who led Flamengo to the Copa Libertadores da América title. And for the former player's first match as Flamengo coach, many of them also returned to Maracanã. Some invited by the club's board, the greatest idol in a box, and another star as a commentator, but all with one thing in common: rooting for their friend.

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In the special chairs, next to defender David, who was serving a suspension and therefore unable to play, sat Adílio, Mozer, Leandro, Carlos Alberto, and Chiquinho. All members of the red-and-black Golden Era, they also came to the locker room to give the team good vibes. Coincidentally or not, the red-and-black team debuted with a victory in the Libertadores—a feat not even the 1981 world champions managed. The visit moved Andrade, who reminisced about his playing days.

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"Their presence brings back many memories. Today I saw myself there, against Cobreloa, with the stadium packed and supporting our team. It was really cool, I was very emotional, and I even joked with them saying that they could come onto the field too to help us. I was very happy," he said.

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Mozer, who now lives in Lisbon, also couldn't hide his excitement about returning to Maracanã. The former defender, who had already attended the Flamengo vs. Flu match, which Rubro-Negro won 5-3, welcomed the invitation with satisfaction and expressed enthusiasm for the red-and-black team.

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"This kind of initiative is gratifying. Almost 29 years after our victory, I received the invitation with great joy and came here to support Andrade and the team, which has great quality. If they maintain this focus, this concentration, they will certainly fight for the title," he observed.

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Adílio, who previously worked at Flamengo as a youth coach and, of course, made history as a player, outlined the path to winning the Libertadores for the second time. According to him, with the squad the Gávea team boasts under Andrade's leadership, the mission is more than achievable.

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"You always have to enter with enthusiasm. The Libertadores is a different competition, good for Flamengo, which is on the right track. You have to win at home and manage the away games," he analyzed.