Clássico dos Milhões
The Derby of the Millions: Flamengo vs. Vasco da Gama
Clássico dos Milhões (Derby of the Millions) is the association football derby between CR Flamengo and CR Vasco da Gama, both from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has been named that way since its beginnings in the 1920s, as Flamengo and Vasco have the two largest fan bases in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Quick Facts
- Rivalry
- Flamengo vs. Vasco da Gama
- Rio de Janeiro
- RJ
- Flamengo founded
- 1895
- Nickname origin
- Both clubs claim millions of supporters across Rio de Janeiro and beyond
- Flamengo's iconic honours
- Copa Libertadores (1981, 2019, 2022); 1981 World Club Championship
- Flamengo home (modern)
- Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
- Flamengo home (historic)
- Estádio da Gávea
Lore & Background
The rivalry dates back to the late 19th century when both clubs were founded as rowing clubs (Vasco in 1898 and Flamengo in 1895). The first official football match took place on April 29, 1923, with Vasco winning 3–1. The derby is the fixture that has had an attendance of over 100,000 people the most times in the history of football, in addition to having the highest average attendance in the history of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. It is among the seventeen oldest derbies of Brazilian football. Notable players include Zico (Flamengo) and Roberto Dinamite (Vasco), who embodied the rivalry in the 1970s and 1980s. Memorable matches include Vasco's 7–0 win in 1931 and Flamengo's 6–1 win in 2024.
Reader's Guide
The derby is contested in the Campeonato Carioca, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, and Copa do Brasil. The 2006 Copa do Brasil finals were the only national final between the two, with Flamengo winning both legs. The largest win in the rivalry is Vasco 7–0 Flamengo (1931). The longest undefeated run belongs to Vasco da Gama: 23 matches (17 wins and 6 draws) from May 13, 1945, to March 25.
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