It's not just the coincidence of results that unites the three classics between Flamengo and Botafogo played in 2007. The three draws were marked by excitement and drama in games with always unpredictable outcomes. This Sunday, the fourth duel of the year takes place at Maracanã, at 18:10 p.m. For coach Ney Franco, there are two certainties: that the red-and-black team has every chance to win, but also that the team will once again face a tough opponent. Still in the Guanabara Cup, Flamengo and Botafogo tied 3-3, in a game with many chances converted and missed, not to mention the dramatic touch of the red-and-black fullback Juan's red-and-black red card in the second half. Even so, had it not been for a refereeing error, Obina could have given Flamengo the victory in the final minutes. In the first leg of the State Championship final, a 2-2 draw in which each team dominated a half of the game. In the second leg of the final, another 2-2 draw, this time with a taste of victory for Flamengo, who won their 14th Rio de Janeiro title on penalties. They scored XNUMX goals in three games. For Ney Franco, the high-scoring history could repeat itself. "These are two teams that play offensively and don't compromise on that. We've had three great games so far. We hope to break this balance and get a win," said Ney Franco. The Flamengo coach intends to maintain the three-man defense. He even understands that a victory could solidify the team's style of play. "Of course, in football, the result has a huge influence on people's assessments. Flamengo has a solid foundation, and we know that by winning the game, we'll continue to have peace of mind and our confidence will also grow," said the coach.

Flamengo vs Botafogo\ Location: Maracanã\ Time: 18:10 p.m.\ Referee: Heber Roberto Lopes (FIFA - PR)\ Assistants: Roberto Braatz (PR) and Rogério Rolim (PR)\ Flamengo: Bruno, Irineu (Moses), Thiago and Ronaldo Angelim; Leonardo Moura, Paulinho, Claiton, Renato and Juan; Renato Augusto and Souza (Paulo Sergio or Leonardo). Coach: Ney Franco.\ Botafogo: Julio Cesar, Renato Silva, Leandro Guerreiro and Asprilla; Joílson, Diguinho, Lucio Flavio, Jorge Henrique and Ze Roberto; André Lima and Dodô. Coach: Cuca.\