South American champions Flamengo will be playing to win when they participate in the next FIFA Club World Cup, according to talismanic striker Gabriel Barbosa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Flamengo secured a berth in the tournament, likely to be staged early next year, by beating Brazilian rivals Athletico Paranaense 1-0 in the Copa Libertadores final at Guayaquil's Monumental stadium recently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dorival Junior's men will be favourites to advance to the final, which is almost certain to be against European champions Real Madrid. It will provide a chance for the Rio de Janeiro outfit to seek redemption for their 1-0 loss to Liverpool in 2019 final, reports Xinhua.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world, with the most Champions League titles and an incredible history," Barbosa said. "We already had the opportunity to play a club World Cup final against Liverpool and we competed well. You can be sure that we are ready."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite having only joined Flamengo in 2020, Barbosa has already gained mythical status at Flamengo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 26-year-old was a key member of the team that won the 2019 league title, when he was on loan from Inter Milan, and 2020 top-flight titles and scored the winning goals in Flamengo's 2019 and 2022 Copa Libertadores triumphs. He was also on target in Flamengo's 2-1 defeat to Palmeiras in the 2021 Copa Libertadores final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n