After almost two years, Flamengo returns to Cuiabá for a duel against Fluminense

The classic will mark the 14th duel played by Mais Querido in the city; learn more about the history in the capital of Mato Grosso.

By Matheus Oliveira - in 23/02/2018 às 19:32

Far, but close. The red-and-black side of Fla-Flu could define this way this Saturday's classic (24), which will be played at Arena Pantanal, in Cuiabá-MT. Despite the distance from the city of origin, the Mais Querido will play close to its fans in this clash, as is customary in matches played in any stadium in the country.

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One of the nation's largest strongholds in Brazil's central-western region, the capital of Mato Grosso boasts an absolute majority of Flamengo fans, a significant difference compared to other fan bases. According to a survey conducted by Globo Esporte in partnership with Facebook in 2015, 28% of Cuiabá's population wears the Sacred Mantle, which reaffirms the expectation of an absolute majority of Flamengo fans in the stands.

Two years later, the city will host Flamengo again. Their last meeting was against Santos in 2016, which ended in a goalless draw. Although the result wasn't what was expected, the club's record in Cuiabá is favorable. In total, they have six wins, five draws, and only two losses in thirteen matches.

Among the teams faced are some of Brazil's biggest names, such as Santos, Corinthians, Grêmio, and Vasco. In addition to these teams, there have been four matches against Mixto, three against Operário, and one against Goiás. However, the match against Fluminense at Arena Pantanal will be a first for the region.

The Gávea club's greatest legend is also the all-time leading scorer in matches in the Mato Grosso capital. Besides being the top scorer in the Fla-Flu derby, with 19 goals in 44 matches, Zico has scored six times in the city.

Another page in the history of the classic and the city will be written at 17 pm this Saturday (24).