Vasco da Gama
The Clássico dos Milhões: Rio's two biggest fan bases, rivals since their rowing days.
The Clássico dos Milhões (Derby of the Millions) is the derby between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama, both from Rio de Janeiro. It has carried that name since the 1920s because the two clubs have the largest fan bases in the state of Rio de Janeiro. No fixture has drawn crowds of more than 100,000 more often, and it has the highest average attendance in the history of the Série A.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Clássico dos Milhões (Derby of the Millions)
- City
- Rio de Janeiro
- First official match
- 29 April 1923, Vasco 3–1 Flamengo
- Founded
- Flamengo 1895, Vasco 1898 (both as rowing clubs)
Lore & Background
The rivalry began in rowing: Flamengo was founded in 1895 and Vasco in 1898, mostly by Portuguese immigrants in the Saúde neighbourhood, and the two remain the most successful clubs in the Rio rowing championship. Flamengo's football team started in 1912 and Vasco's in 1915. The first official football meeting was on 29 April 1923 at the Paysandu Street stadium, and Vasco won 3–1.
Reader's Guide
The clubs have met in deciding matches in the Campeonato Carioca, the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa do Brasil, including the 2006 Copa do Brasil final. They also compete in basketball, swimming, futsal and judo.
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