In the most anticipated match of the Brazilian Championship so far, Rubro-Negro faces Palmeiras next Wednesday (14). The game, valid for the 25th round, will be held at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo, at 21:45 pm. Just one point behind the leader Palmeiras, Mengão will seek the victory that would give the club first place in this very important direct confrontation. To get even more into the mood for the big game, the Official Website recalls seven memorable matches between Flamengo and Palmeiras.

Even without a victory in the grand final, Flamengo lifted the 1999 Mercosur Cup trophy. After a thrilling first leg at the Maracanã, with a 4-3 win for Flamengo, they only needed a draw in the second leg to secure their first international title since winning the Intercontinental Cup. In a completely packed Palestra Itália stadium, Palmeiras opened the scoring through Paraguayan full-back Arce, but Flamengo's reaction was swift. Caio and Rodrigo Mendes put Flamengo ahead, but Palmeiras would turn the game around again, with another goal from Arce and another from Paulo Nunes. However, the title was destined for Gávea (Flamengo's headquarters). The unlikely hero of the title was Lê: the midfielder equalized and scored the winning goal for Flamengo.

Competition: Mercosur Cup - 2nd Final Match.

Stadium: Parque Antártica.

Flamengo: Clemer, Maurinho, Célio Silva, Juan, Athirson, Leandro Ávila, Marcelo Rosa (Lê), Leonardo Inácio (Rodrigo Mendes), Caio (Iranildo), Leandro Machado and Reinaldo.

Flamengo's goals: Caio, Rodrigo Mendes and Lê.

Audience: 28.000 (estimated).

Note: Flamengo Champion.

In the 1980 Brazilian Championship, in which they would win the first Brazilian title in their history, Flamengo thrashed Palmeiras 6-2 at the Maracanã, with a show from Tita (2) and Zico (2). Toninho and Nunes completed the scoring for the beloved team.

Competition: Brazilian Championship 1980.

Stadium: Maracanã.

Flamengo: Raul, Toninho, Rondineli, Marinho, Júnior, Carpegiani, Andrade, Zico (Reinaldo), Tita, Nunes and Júlio Cesar (Adilio).

Flamengo goals: Zico(2), Tita(2), Toninho and Nunes.

Audience: 70.389.

On a gala afternoon for Ibson, who got a complete makeover, and Kleberson, Flamengo thrashed Palmeiras 5-2 at the Maracanã, in the 2008 Brazilian Championship. Marcelinho Paraíba completed the scoring, in front of more than 60 people.

Competition: Brazilian Championship 2008.

Stadium: Maracanã.

Flamengo: Bruno, Jaílton, Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim; Leo Moura, Aírton, Kleberson, Ibson (Maxi) and Juan (Everton); Obina and Marcelinho Paraíba (Toró) - Coach: Caio Júnior.

Audience: 63.386.

Income: R$ 1.166.807,00.

Petkovic delivered a stellar performance and sealed the game. Even with Vagner Love's dangerous attacks, the Serbian's star shone brighter, and the foreigner scored both goals for Flamengo's victory. The first came in the 23rd minute: Petkovic exchanged passes with Juan, entered the area, dribbled past two defenders, and shot into the top corner past Marcos. The second was an Olympic goal, rare in football, but not uncommon for the number 43.

Competition: Brazilian Championship 2009.

Stadium: Palestra Itália.

Flamengo: Bruno; Léo Moura, Angelim, Airton and Juan; Willians, Toró (Fierro), Maldonado and Petkovic (Welinton); Zé Roberto (Lenon) and Adriano - Coach: Andrade.

Flamengo goals: Petkovic (2).

Assistance: Juan.

Audience: 26.462 (paying).

Income: R$ 1.246.776,24.

Flamengo entered the field with a five-game winless streak (between the national championship, Carioca and Libertadores) and with Alecsandro having gone three games without scoring. A complicated scenario, but one that turned into motivation. After falling behind on the scoreboard, the Rubro-Negro dominated the second half and came back to beat Palmeiras 4-2. Paulinho, Márcio Araújo and Alecsandro (2) scored for the Mais Querido.

Competition: Brazilian Championship 2014.

Stadium: Maracanã.

Flamengo: Felipe, Luiz Antônio, Wallace, Samir and André Santos; Cáceres and Márcio Araújo; Negueba (João Paulo), Nixon (Lucas Mugni), Paulinho and Alecsandro - Coach: Jayme de Almeida.

Flamengo goals: Alecsandro (2), Paulinho and Márcio Araújo.

Audience: 21.082.

Income: R$ 763.125,00.

On the day it would have completed 900 matches in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo beat Palmeiras 2-1 at Palestra Itália. The goals were scored by Magrão for Palmeiras, and Athirson and Ibson for Flamengo. 

Competition: Brazilian Championship 2004.

Stadium: Parque Antartica.

Flamengo: Júlio César, China, Junior Baiano, Andre Bahia, Roger, Da Silva, Jônatas, Ibson, Zinho (Athirson), Jean (Dill), Dimba (Whellinton).

Flamengo goals: Ibson, Athirson. 

Audience: 15.694.

Flamengo eliminated Palmeiras in the 1997 Copa do Brasil semi-final with two victories over their rival. In the first leg, at the Maracanã, Flamengo won 2-0, taking an advantage into the second leg in São Paulo. At their opponent's home ground, Flamengo won again, this time 1-0, securing their place in the final of the competition.

Competition: 1997 Copa do Brasil - 2nd leg of the semi-final.

Stadium: Parque Antártica.

Flamengo: Zé Carlos (Júlio Cesar), Leandro Neto, Júnior Baiano, Fabiano, Athirson (Paulo Cesar), Jamir, Maurinho, Nélio (Bruno Quadros), Evandro, Romário and Sávio.

Flamengo's goal: Sávio.