The day after a great performance is always special for a player. Even more so for a young player, who has ten years at the club and managed to pass such a test of fire with flying colors. Such is the case with Marcelo Lomba. Having played at Gávea since 2000, the goalkeeper played his third professional match for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo last Wednesday, and he did not disappoint. Called up at the last minute due to an injury to captain and starter Bruno, Lomba wore the number 12 jersey, retired in honor of the fans with whom he strongly identifies, and did not disappoint the Nação Rubro-Negra.

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Accustomed to challenges, but not accustomed to giving press conferences, the goalkeeper spoke to the press after Thursday's training session and demonstrated great ease. A player with a strong personality but also great humility, Marcelo couldn't hide his happiness at having made the most of this great opportunity. The goalkeeper emphasized the importance of realizing his dream of playing professionally for Flamengo, especially for a youngster coming through the club's youth ranks. He recalled the performance for CFZ, as a youth player, that led to his signing with the Rubro-Negro, and assured that he is ready for new opportunities.

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Check out the main excerpts from Marcelo Lomba's press conference:

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The lineup - I knew he (Bruno) had felt some discomfort, but I didn't think I was likely to play. Bruno doesn't shy away from games; even when he's feeling something, he always goes to the games, but when Andrade called me and told me, I was calm. Of course, adrenaline rushes, especially since it was a Libertadores game, but I had the full confidence of the coach, my teammates, and the staff, and that was crucial.

Hardest moment of the game - When we were outnumbered, they had one player left in midfield, which made things very difficult for us. They shot a lot at goal and bombarded me, but I knew I'd be challenged more with Willians's red card, so I paid extra attention. I even tried to guide the defense to position themselves well, and it all worked out.

Trial by fire - It was undoubtedly a trial by fire, but I think I did well. I didn't concede a goal, I came in to win, I was highly motivated, and I managed to do well. I wanted Flamengo to win, especially since it was a Libertadores Cup match. It was important to secure the three points, and for me, individually, even more so to keep a clean sheet.

Basis - It's emotional for me to talk about it. I'm proud to be a Flamengo graduate. A few years ago, many criticized it, but Flamengo's youth academy is good, it has values, and we've already proven that Flamengo has produced stars in-house. The juniors have excellent professional skills, and the more I can encourage the youngsters coming through the academy, setting an example for them, the better. The opportunity was a long time coming, but I worked hard, it arrived, and the reward is very good. It's worth fighting for.

Cheerleaders - When the fans chanted my name, it gave me even more motivation. I've seen several goalkeepers, from Júlio César to Diego and Bruno, all being cheered, and I'd never felt that moment. Then I said, "Today is my day to score," not just for myself, but for the nation watching, for my family who were there... The board trusted me, as did Andrade and Roberto, and I'm grateful to them. I'm happy to have accomplished my biggest goal yesterday.

Titles - Everyone wants to play for Flamengo, especially those coming through the youth academy, and when they come in and deliver, it's a great feeling. Everyone here has potential. We're competing in the fourth Rio de Janeiro title and the Libertadores, and the fans aren't content with anything less; they want both, and they're right. We have the squad for it, and whatever we can win, we will win.

CFZ -  I have a great affection for Zico. He's Flamengo's greatest idol. I started at CFZ, and it's a coincidence, since I'm here today because of CFZ. I won a Carioca Mirim final in 1999 against Flamengo, right here in Gávea, and Anderson Barros, at the time, invited me to come here, where I've been since 2000.

Idols - If I have two idols, they're Taffarel, because when I started tackling it was during the '94 World Cup, and he was there saving penalties, and another is Júlio César, because he really helped me a lot here. He lent me gloves and boots; he was renowned and helped me a lot when I was 17. I don't want to compare myself to him in any way. I'm like Lomba, humble, down-to-earth, and I'm coming in slowly. There's room for everyone, and little by little I'm emerging and getting the job done.

Uniform - I'm superstitious, I always start the field with my right foot, and this new blue jersey has brought me luck. If I have to play on Saturday, which isn't just up to me, but also up to Andrade, I'll wear it again (laughs).