On the eve of the first match against Junior Barranquilla, which will decide who will qualify for the CONMEBOL Sudamericana final, coach Reinaldo Rueda appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room at Ninho do Urubu to give a press conference. This Thursday's opponent is a longtime acquaintance of the red-and-black manager, who commented on the Colombian team's current form.

"Junior is a very important team in Colombian football, with a very experienced coach. In recent years, they've been a key player in the country. I believe it will be a very difficult and evenly matched match," said the coach, recalling the clashes he experienced during his time at Atlético Nacional. "We were fortunate to have had intense and very difficult matches, both with the previous coach and the current one. Each match is different, but we know we'll be facing a great rival," he added.

Réver and Juan have returned to training alongside the rest of the squad in recent weeks. Rueda discussed the potential participation of the central defenders in tomorrow's match, while acknowledging the excellent performance of Rhodolfo and Rafael Vaz in the absence of these players.

"Réver and Juan have been working well. I don't think there are any problems. I'll make a decision about whether to field one or both of them, a situation we'll decide in the next few hours. We'll see how they respond to today's challenges and how they feel. It's important to consider that Rhodolfo and Vaz are coming in with match fitness. The important thing is security for our defense," he stated.

Another athlete seeking top form for the semifinal is striker Éverton. Recovering from pain in the hamstring of his left thigh, the number 22 began his transition period to field work this week. Despite optimism for a quick recovery, Rueda urged caution regarding the return of the red-and-black 'Motorzinho' to the team.

"Éverton is in a transition period, but he's still feeling pain. I'm a little hesitant about risking him. We'll rest him a bit so he can be used in the next game," he said. "Mancuello played in the previous game and performed well. We also have Vinicius, who is fit to play after his suspension in the Brazilian Championship. Both are ready to play well," he analyzed.

Lincoln is a young man with excellent skills. His participation in the previous match was very rewarding. However, I believe that given the game situation and the opponent's characteristics, in addition to the players we have for his position, such as Vizeu and Paquetá, he should return to his normal training routine tomorrow.

It was a victory that somewhat cooled the situation, but as I spoke to the group, the tension remains. It's a difficult situation given everything the Brasileirão represents and our ambitions in the South American. On the positive side, I saw the group's behavior and attitude. The team's organization and attacking prowess enabled us to achieve a very good result, considering the opponent we faced.

Nation at Maracanã
The support of the fans will be crucial for us. We need their support. The team is at a crucial stage in an international tournament. We need this support to feel this warmth, this passion. Ticket sales will certainly increase between today and tomorrow. We hope for a packed stadium because it motivates the players deeply, with their generosity in their effort, part of the internal commitment we have to ourselves, to the institution, and to the motivation of an international tournament.

Without a doubt, it will be vital for our aspirations, for the great goal of an international tournament. This is something we desire. We know there will be four very difficult matches. We need to focus on these two first. A good result would change the whole atmosphere and lift the group's spirits, both for the Brazilian Championship and for advancing to this semifinal, which is what we want.

I believe that today, in world football, there are no mysteries. Everyone knows each other. There's communication, and games are always broadcast. But there are specific situations that are more familiar to one team or another, specific to the players. When we're 11 against 11 on the field, however, the important thing is game intelligence. You have to seize opportunities and make the right decisions.