Introduction to derby
The Classic of millions is one of the most storied urban rivalries in world football, pitting Flamengo and Vasco da Gama against the others in Rio de Janeiro. Rooted in contrasting identities, social histories and footballing philosophies, this derby has spanned over a century and hundreds of competitions. From state championships to the Brasileirão, Flamengo vs Vasco da Gama is defined by the atmosphere, momentum shifts and eras of dominance that have shaped the Brazilian.
soccer culture
All-time head-to-head record
In all official competitions, Flamengo and Vasco
da Gama they have met hundreds of times, making this one of the most
frequently played derbies anywhere in the game. The aggregate record reflects
long-term equilibrium, marked by clear periods where one side asserted
control
| Total matches | Flamengo wins | draws | Vasco wins | Flamengo goals | Basque goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 428 | 167 | 122 | 139 | 570 | 531 |
The totals suggest a more than competitive rivalry
unilateral Flamengo has a historic advantage in wins and goals, boosted to a large extent
by strong cycles in the 1960s, early 1990s and late 2010s onwards.
Vasco itself dominated, especially from the 1930s until the post-war period
years and again in the late 1990s, he ensured that the scales did not tip too far
in one direction.
Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)
Recent meetings underscore a modern pattern of tactical caution
mixed with occasional highlights. League matches and state competition
they have produced draws at key moments, while Flamengo’s attacking peaks have
won decisive victories.
| date | competition | place | Punctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2025 | Series A | Maracanã | Flamengo 1–1 Vasco |
| April 19, 2025 | Series A | Saint January | Vasco 0–0 Flamengo |
| 09 March 2025 | Carioca Championship | Maracanã | Flamengo 2–1 Vasco |
| 02 March 2025 | Carioca Championship | Saint January | Vasco 0–1 Flamengo |
| February 16, 2025 | Carioca Championship | Maracanã | Flamengo 2–0 Vasco |
| September 15, 2024 | Series A | Maracanã | Flamengo 1–1 Vasco |
| 02 June 2024 | Series A | Saint January | Vasco 1–6 Flamengo |
| February 4, 2024 | Carioca Championship | Saint January | Vasco 0–0 Flamengo |
| October 22, 2023 | Series A | Maracanã | Flamengo 1–0 Vasco |
| June 5, 2023 | Series A | Saint January | Vasco 1–4 Flamengo |
These matches show a clear inclination of the place, with the Maracana favouring
Control and tempo of Flamengo. Clean sheets and low-scoring ties remain
common, but when the game opens up, often through early goals or set pieces
pressure: The Flemish have tended to capitalize more ruthlessly in recent years
seasons
Key players and rivalries by era
Classical Era (1930s-1960s)
This period forged the identity of the derby. Vasco figures like
Ademir de Menezes and Danilo Alvim embodied technical authority and physicality
presence, while Flamengo countered with Zizinho and Evaristo de Macedo,
players who thrived under pressure. Duels between forwards and creatives
commanding the definite middle-of-the-road matches that often decided the state
titles
Notable duels: Ademir de Menezes vs.
defensive axis of Flamengo; Zizinho vs Danilo Alvim in midfield control
battles
Golden Age and Transition (1970s-1990s)
The golden generation of Flamengo, with Zico, Júnior and Leandro,
reshaped the rivalry with technical dominance and leadership. Vasco replied
in the late 1990s through Romário, Edmundo and Juninho Pernambucano, who
the bluntness and menace of the stalled piece brought the momentum back
city
Notable duels: Zico vs Vasco’s deep
midfield screens; Romário against Flamengo’s central players in the penalty area chess
matches
Modern Era (2000s-2010s)
This era saw tactical evolution. Flamengo relied on players like
Adriano and later Diego, while Vasco’s structure revolved around Felipe and
Dede Physical duels intensified, with full-backs and full-backs playing
decisive roles in transitions.
Notable duels: Adriano vs Dede;
Felipe against Flamengo’s box-to-box midfielders.
Current era (late 2010s to present)
The last few seasons have highlighted Flamengo’s squad depth and
press game, with figures such as Gabigol, Bruno Henrique and Arrascaeta
shaping the results. Vasco have trusted in the collective and emerging organization
leaders to bridge the gap.
Notable duels: Gabigol vs Vasco’s
central defenses; Arrascaeta against Vasco’s holding midfielders.
| was | club | player | Role in the derby context | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| classic | Vasco | Ademir de Menezes | Forward reference point | Physical, decisive in big matches |
| classic | flamenco | They are stupid | creative leader | Tempo dictated under pressure |
| golden | flamenco | Zico | Captain and playmaker | Symbol of technical mastery |
| golden | Vasco | Romario | In front of the penalty box | Clinical threat in tight games |
| modern | flamenco | Adriano | Power advance | Physically changed games |
| modern | Vasco | Dede | central executor | Key in aerial and physical duels |
| current | flamenco | Gabigol | pressing forward | High involvement in decisive phases |
| current | flamenco | dragster | Advanced game maker | Link between midfield and attack |
The players listed illustrate how the tactical priorities of each era
he shaped the derby, from individual brilliance to collective pressing
systems
Detailed H2H analysis
Head-to-head patterns reveal a cyclic rather than linear domain
trends The initial Basque supremacy gave way to the recovery of Flamengo in the middle of the century,
before alternating peaks throughout the professional era. Raffles are a definition
characteristic, which reflects caution in high-stakes matches, while he has been undefeated for a long time
Races often coincide with generational teams rather than short-term ones
shape
Key statistics and performance data
Statistically, the Millions Classic balances excitement with
structure, producing repeatable patterns over decades.
- The high draw percentage highlights the tactical respect.
- The edge of Flamengo’s goal reflects a stronger attack
cycles - State competitions account for the majority
meetings - Maracanã has hosted most of the matches.
- Long undefeated runs align with golden generations.
Memorable matches and iconic moments
Beyond the numbers, the derby lives moments that gave shape
reputations and seasons.
- April 26, 1931 – Vasco record 7-0 state championship
win - 1960 – Encounters to decide the title during Flamengo
resurgence - Late 1990s: League-defining clashes of the Roma era
racing - 14 November 2019 – Spectacular 4-4 draw showing the attack
extremes - June 2, 2024 – Victory of Flamengo by 6-1 in the Series
A. - Recent seasons: tactical stalemates influencing the title
impulse
Evolution of the rivalry
The classic of the millions has evolved from the first clashes of identity
in a modern derby followed worldwide. Professionalization, television
exposure and continental ambitions have altered the likes of Flamengo and Vasco
approach these events, but the emotional weight remains unchanged. Every era
redefines the rivalry, securing his place as the Brazilian’s cornerstone
football history
Frequently asked questions
What is the classic about?
Millions?
The traditional Rio de Janeiro derby between Flamengo and Vasco
da Gama.
Who has the best head to head
registration?
Flamengo has a historical advantage in wins and goals.
Which competition stands out the most?
meetings?
The Campeonato Carioca is the biggest
to share
Where are most matches played?
The Maracanã is the most frequent place.
Draws are common in this
derby?
Yes, draws are a big part of the overall record.
Why is the rivalry like that
intense?
Historical, social and football contrasts between the clubs
feeds its intensity.
