A classic to motivate the red-blacks

Having qualified for the State Championship final after winning the Guanabara Cup and leading their group in the Rio Cup, Flamengo will enter tomorrow's derby against Botafogo with special motivation. Besides the importance of beating their traditional rival, the players know that a positive result and a strong performance will be crucial for next Wednesday's Libertadores match against Nacional. "Everyone at the club, and also the fans, dream of the team going far in the Libertadores. Wednesday's match will be like a final, and it's important for the team to do well against Botafogo to gain confidence," said Renato Augusto, who will start for the first time since undergoing facial surgery in the first round of the Guanabara Cup against Boavista. "I've already played in two matches, and now I'll have the chance to start a derby. I'm confident and certain that I can help the team play well and win." Paraguayan Gavilán shares a similar view. This will be his first derby for Flamengo, and the experienced player agrees that a strong performance will be crucial for Flamengo to show its strength in the Libertadores. "The motivation from one competition helps in the other. If we play well and get a win, we'll certainly be in a better mood against Nacional. For players like me, who haven't always started matches, a strong performance is also important to show our worth to the team," he analyzed. After training this morning in Gávea, the players headed to the training camp in Barra da Tijuca.

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