Vasco da Gama vs Flamengo Prediction: The Clássico dos Milhões will color the Maracanã

The match between Vasco da Gama and Flamengo is a meeting between the Rio de Janeiro clubs with the greatest rivalry and number of fans. Hence the name the Millions' Classic, a match that has already been played 345 times. Flamengo has a lead in the head-to-head record, with 137 wins to Vasco's 105. The two teams have drawn 105 times. Flamengo's winning percentage is 40%, but if we consider only the Campeonato Carioca matches, that figure rises to 47%.

The Cruzmaltino has failed in its last two away fixtures, first with a draw against Bangu with controversial referee decisions, and in the last round with a disappointing display against Nova Iguaçu, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. The team is currently in seventh place with eight points, as many as Flamengo, which has a game in hand, and five behind leader Fluminense. If Vasco da Gama still wants to play an important role in this Carioca, it can't afford to lose to the rival. After this round, only five games will remain to finish the Carioca regular season. Only the top four qualify for the semi-finals, so Vasco needs the points.

The Mengão beat Sampaio Corrêa away and is, along with rival Fluminense, one of the two teams that haven't lost yet in this Carioca. Flamengo is sixth but has a game in hand on Volta Redonda at home. If it wins that match, the Vulture will climb into the top four, which grants qualification for the next stage, so everything seems to be going smoothly for Tite's team. Beating Vasco at the Maracanã always has a different flavor, so surely we'll see a motivated Scarlet-Black side.

Flamengo is the favorite playing at the Maracanã, even if it's officially an away game. Vasco has been disappointing in recent matches and has lost key player Paulinho to injury until the end of the season. Flamengo hasn't lost yet, but its performances haven't been stellar. The Double Chance for Vasco has attractive odds and has convinced me, even though I know Flamengo has a better chance of winning. It's a classic, and anything can happen in these special matches.