Left out in 2017, Paquetá aims to end drought with Flamengo in Carioca final | OneFootball

Fundamental to Flamengo's heavy semi-final win over Madureira, Lucas Paquetá has his first chance to play a Campeonato Carioca final, chasing a first on-field title with the club on his return to Rio.

He holds the 2017 title, yet he was not named for that decider against Fluminense and now faces them again. According to Globo.com, he hopes to keep his starting spot under new head coach Leonardo Jardim.

In May 2017, Flamengo beat Fluminense 2-1, Rodinei and Guerrero scored, delivering the club's 34th state crown. This will be the rivals' sixth Carioca final in seven seasons.

Nine years ago he featured in six Carioca matches, one start, then earned a regular run in 2017 before his sale in 2018. He fell short in finals in the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Sudamericana.

After his best outing since returning, against Madureira, he awaits how Jardim intends to use him. Sunday's match is at 18:00 Brasília time at the Maracanã.

Now an established European performer and the most expensive signing in South America at €42 million, R$260 million, he cuts a different figure to the youngster who posed with the trophy in 2017. After Flamengo lost the Supercopa and the Recopa, the Ninho do Urubu graduate says he returned to win trophies.

Source: Globo.com