One of the standouts from Flamengo's Libertadores victory over Cienciano last Wednesday, Toró, a fan, has special motivation ahead of his upcoming Copa Libertadores semifinal against Botafogo. The player will turn 22 this Sunday and hopes to receive a victory that will put the team even closer to the state title. "The problems are over, and I'm enjoying a happy time again. I'll fight hard, and I know my teammates will help me have a wonderful birthday. Winning and reaching the Copa Rio final would be the best birthday present," said Toró, who received the traditional ovation from his teammates after yesterday's recreational training session. Flamengo's strong Libertadores victory, according to Toró, will help the team overcome fatigue and achieve a good result tomorrow. "We're tired, but our coaching staff is competent and knew how to bounce back." Anyone who wears a Flamengo jersey and sees the fans packing the stadium overcomes any problem and thinks only of winning. After the activity, coach Joel Santana had the players practice penalty kicks, a method that can decide the classification in the event of a tie in regulation time. Some players, such as Léo Moura and Juan, also practiced free kicks. The delegation left early in the afternoon for the training camp in Barra da Tijuca.

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