It's not just the three points that Flamengo can win if they beat Vasco on Sunday (August 01.08st) at the Maracanã. The Flamengo players know that a good performance and a positive result against their rival can have a huge impact on the team. Coming off a draw at home against Avaí and a defeat to Internacional at the Beira Rio, the team from Gávea knows they need a victory to boost morale.

That's what midfielder Rômulo thinks. Aware that the rivalry is intense and that Flamengo will need to work very hard to achieve a victory against Vasco, the player considers Sunday's match similar to a championship final.

"Facing Vasco is different. It's a huge rivalry. We know that a victory, besides improving our position in the standings, boosts the team's morale. We're going to prepare hard to get the three points. It's a game apart. Every derby is like a championship final, and whoever wins puts the pressure on the other side," he said.

Accustomed to facing Vasco since he was 13 years old, when he began his career in Flamengo's youth ranks, the player has fond memories of that time.

"I was very happy in the youth ranks. I played against Vasco several times, I even scored against them, and it's great to beat Vasco. But we have to respect their squad, which is strong, has a great coach, and I'm sure it will be a great game," he concluded.

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