Win Against Vasco Could Lead to Flamengo Becoming Brazilian Champion

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A classic match between traditional fierce rivals is a game that attracts attention and ignites, more than usual, the fans’ enthusiasm. Even more is this so if there is a chance of one’s beloved team coming very close to a major trophy.

Today, November 13th, Flamengo and Vasco meet at Maracanã, at 9:30 PM, in a 34th round match of the 2019 Brazilian Championship, known as the “Brasileirão”.

For Vasco da Gama, the win would mean escaping relegation, and remaining in the top flight competition of national soccer next year, as well as the possibility of qualifying for the 2020 Libertadores Cup.

For Flamengo, beating Vasco represents a real possibility of becoming Brazilian national champion next weekend. To do so, it would have to beat Grêmio, in Porto Alegre, and hope for Palmeiras not to win against Bahia, in Salvador. Considering both teams’ recent performances, there’s a real chance of this happening.

In the first half of the Brasileirão tournament, in a 15th round match, Vasco, who could choose the home stadium, took the game to Brasília, but was defeated by Flamengo, 4-1.

Flamengo, also from Rio de Janeiro, is experiencing an impressive success under the command of its Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. It has the best attack in the competition, with 68 goals scored. Flamengo stars Gabigol, who scored 21 times, and Bruno Henrique, who scored 16, are the two top in the league.

Unbeaten since August 4th, just over 3 months ago, it seems that it is only a matter of time before the Brazilian title once again reaches the club headquarters in Gávea.

Flamengo’s likely lineup: Diego Alves; Rafinha, Rodrigo Caio, Pablo Marí and Filipe Luís; Willian Arão, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta (Reinier or Vitinho); Bruno Henrique and Gabigol. Manager: Jorge Jesus

Vasco’s likely lineup: Fernando Miguel; Yago Pikachu, Oswaldo Henríquez, Ricardo Graça (Werley) and Danilo Barcelos; Richard, Raul and Marcos Júnior; Felipe Ferreira, Rossi and Marrony (Ribamar). Manager: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.