Vagner Love and Adriano didn't train, and Petkovic did some physical exercises at Gávea. While the current idols didn't show up at Ninho do Urubu this Monday, a star from the past was the main attraction at Flamengo's training session in Vargem Grande. And it wasn't just any star. Gávea's eternal number 10, Zico, visited Flamengo's training center, accompanied by president Patricia Amorim, and spoke about the current state of coach Andrade's team.

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The Galinho de Quintino couldn't hide his joy at the prospect of seeing his team win the Rio de Janeiro championship for the first time. A feat not even his generation, known as the Golden Generation, the most successful in the history of Flamengo football, achieved. Zico, however, believes there are no favorites in the Guanabara Cup semifinals, which begin next Saturday with Fluminense and Vasco. Flamengo faces Botafogo on Ash Wednesday.

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"I see Flamengo as different because of the reinforcements and also because of the players they kept. I hope they win. But of course the derby will be difficult, and as always, there are no favorites," he said.

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The praise wasn't limited to the red-and-blacks. Zico highlighted the talent of Botafogo's coach, Joel Santana, who has won several Rio titles and also had memorable stints with the Gávea club.

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"Botafogo is no longer the same team that was thrashed by Vasco. Joel arrived and gave the team a new look, and that's why we have to be very careful. Joel has a deep understanding of Rio de Janeiro football and Flamengo," he emphasized.

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President Patricia Amorim, meanwhile, visited Ninho to assess the CT's facilities. She plans to move the youth academy department there, improve accommodations, and, if possible, bring the red-and-black futsal team to Vargem Grande.