Today is more than just a game. It's another debut in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. The 14th time, to be precise. And with a classic opening, a game steeped in history and all the makings of it. New field, anniversary, rivalry... Flamengo vs. River Plate has it all and more. Check out some facts below that will make the hour pass even longer. 

This Wednesday, Flamengo will play its 14th Copa Libertadores debut. It is, by far, the Rio de Janeiro team that has played the most matches in the competition. Second on the list is Vasco (nine), followed by Fluminense (six) and Botafogo (five). It was also the first to win the title, in 1981. This is also the fifth consecutive appearance. It played from 1981 to 1984, won the double in 2007 and 2008, and is repeating this feat in 2017 and 2018. 



2) Opening the works in Rio

Of the 13 Libertadores debuts, only three were in front of their home fans in Rio de Janeiro. And all three were victories. The first was in 1984, with a 4-1 rout of Santos. It wasn't until 2010 that we played our first match in Rio again, against Universidad Catolica, and won 2-0. In the last Libertadores, we also began the campaign at home, against San Lorenzo, with another 4-0 rout. All matches were played at Maracanã. In 1991, Flamengo also started "at home." The Mais Querido (the most beloved team) was the home team, but the 1-1 draw against Corinthians was played in Cuiabá, at José Frageli Stadium.



3) New stage for the classic 

In Brazil, all Flamengo-River Plate matches have been held at Maracanã. We've won four of them, two of them, and not a single draw. Nilton Santos will host the match for the first time. The Argentines have already played at the stadium against Botafogo, but never against Flamengo. This will also be the fourth stadium to host the match. Maracanã and Monumental de Nuñez, of course, have already hosted the match, as well as the National Stadium in Lima (Peru), which had the honor of hosting the first ever duel, with our 4-1 victory.



4) Libertadores in Engenho de Dentro

Flamengo has played four matches in the main international competition at Nilton Santos stadium. Three wins, one draw, all in 2012. The games were 2-0 Real Potosí (01/02), 1-0 Emelec (08/03), 3-3 Olimpia (15/03) and 3-0 Lanús (12/04). A good record on the Nilton Santos pitch to push the team towards another victory today. 


5) The goal is theirs

Flamengo's top scorer list in the Libertadores is a sight to behold. The first name, of course, is Zico. With 16 goals, the "Galinho" leads the rankings. A decisive player in the 1981 edition, he scored both goals in the title against Cobreloa in Montevideo. Tita and Gaúcho follow, with 10 goals each. Marcelinho and Nunes come next with seven each. Adilio, Leo Moura, Edmar, and Vagner Love, with six goals, and Renato Abreu and Marcinho, with five each, round out the Top 5.



6) Loyalty plan

Besides being the player who wore the red-and-black shirt the most, with 876 matches, Maestro Júnior leads the list of those who played the most in the Copa Libertadores da América. Champion in 81, the idol played in 48 matches, in the years 81, 82, 83, 84 and 91. The second most was Leonardo Moura, with 36 games, in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Adílio (33), Leandro (29) and Figueredo (27), complete the list of the five who played the most in the competition for Mengão.



7) There is no lack of experience

Several players on the current roster have already won the Copa Libertadores with other teams. Full-back Pará won with Santos in 2011, Willian Arão won with Corinthians in 2012, Réver won with Atlético Mineiro in 2013, and Berrío and Marlos Moreno won with Atlético Nacional in 2016. 

But beyond the players, our coach also has the sash on his resume. Paulo César Carpegiani was the captain of the 1981 triumph, his second trophy as coach, shortly before winning the state championship that same year. And to top it all off, in December 1981, he also lifted the Interclub World Cup. 

Paulo César Carpegiani wasn't just the coach of the Libertadores (and the World Cup). He was a monster of a player. A midfielder with immense talent, vision, and technique, Carpegiani arrived at the Mais Querido in 1977, coming from Internacional with the experience of a two-time Brazilian champion. At Flamengo, he quickly formed a magical midfield with Júnior, Andrade, Zico, and Adílio that won the club's first Brazilian title in 1980, as well as state titles in 1978 and 1979. When he retired in 81, he was the obvious choice to lead the team. He knew the team like few others, earned the respect and admiration of everyone, and built a demolishing machine that won everything and more.



9) Put on the suit

At 39, Juan enters the field in this Copa Libertadores with a unique feat. He is already the only Flamengo player in history to win two South American titles: the Gold Cup in 1996 and the Mercosur Cup in 1999. The number 4 was a youngster in '96 and watched from the bench as Sávio scored all three goals in the victory over São Paulo at the Vivaldão stadium in Manaus. By 1999, he was already a starter and one of the key players in the young squad that defeated Palmeiras 4-3 at Maracanã and then tied the decisive match at Parque Antárctica, 3-3, under the command of the unforgettable Carlinhos.

The Libertadores is almost entirely played on Spanish soil. Only in Brazil is Portuguese spoken. So it's always good to have some weapons on the roster to guarantee a place on the pitches in Latin America. In addition to highly experienced players who are fluent in Spanish, such as Diego Alves, Juan, Diego, and Rodinei, the group includes players who know the stadiums Mengão will play in detail. From Colombia, the venue for the match against Independiente Santa Fé, we have Gustavo Cuéllar and Marlos Moreno. From Peru, where we could travel in the next stages, we have Paolo Guerrero and Miguel Trauco. Certainly, the players' experience and experience will be crucial in the quest for a second title.