With the return of the Brasileirão, Flamengo has another derby ahead. This Saturday, the "Mais Querido" faces its biggest rival, Vasco da Gama, in the 380th edition of the Clássico dos Milhões (Classic of Millions) at the Maracanã. And this match has some special ingredients. With three points separating the teams, the duel takes on the shape of a direct battle. In seventh place, the "Mais Querido" could rise to fifth with a win and depending on the results of Botafogo and Cruzeiro. Besides keeping its rival at bay, the three points will give it even more confidence for Wednesday's match, the return of the South American Cup, against Fluminense. 

The focus, however, is entirely on Vasco. This will be the fifth time the derby will take place in 2017. There were three matches in the Campeonato Carioca, with one Rubro-Negra win and two draws, and the last one, in July, in the first round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, at São Januário, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Flamengo, with a goal by Everton. 

After the final training session before the game, coach Reinaldo Rueda spoke with reporters in the Victorino Chermont press room at the George Helal Training Center. During the press conference, the Colombian coach discussed the rivalry between the teams and what he expects from this Saturday's match. 

"Football has these sociological components. I believe it's normal in our Latin culture for all these aspects to symbolize this historic rivalry. I see that the matches against Vasco and Botafogo are handled with great intensity here, both because they're teams from the same city and because of the progress these clubs have been through. It will be a very intense match, and the important thing is that we play well, that our fans can enjoy a team that plays intelligently, with the result we aspire to. We'll face a respectable rival, one that has grown significantly. Coach Zé Ricardo has encouraged them with this series of very important results, being in the Libertadores zone. It only shows the good work they've done," he said, emphasizing his desire for a peaceful atmosphere in the stadium. "I hope both Vasco and Flamengo fans can enjoy the game in harmony, as a family, and that, in the end, football matters."

Watch the full press conference on Fla TV

This is Flamengo vs Vasco match number 380. If we consider the matches from the old Torneio Início, it will be the 400th time that the Clássico dos Milhões has taken place. 

In both cases, Flamengo has the superiority in numbers. In 399 matches, Flamengo has won 150 times, against 137 losses. The red-and-black's top scorer in the matchup is Zico, with 19 goals. 

In Brazilian Championship matches alone, the results are more balanced, but Flamengo is once again superior. They have 18 wins, 18 draws, and 17 losses. An incredible 60-goal draw marks this balance. 

At Maracanã, the Clássico dos Milhões has been played 248 times. Flamengo has prevailed on 97 occasions, compared to 81 for their rivals, and 70 draws. The red-and-black team's last victory over Vasco at this stadium was in 2015, 2-1, with two goals from Alecsandro. 

In the overall title races, Flamengo has a clear advantage. In 17 finals, Gávea has won 12 trophies: the state championships of 1944, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1986, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2011, and the 2006 Copa do Brasil. 

Tickets for the classic will be sold online and in person on the day of the game. The website will accept orders until noon on Saturday. The Maracanã ticket office will be open only to Flamengo fans. Check it out. here Ticket exchange and sales points and more information. Arrive early to exchange yours. Avoid lines. 

The game will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere FC. Those who feel the pride of being a fan club make the team stronger and always have more Flamengo: discounts on tickets and pay-per-view, exclusive videos to stay up-to-date, advantages in official stores to get the jersey and other merchandise, and much more. Click and join now!

You can also follow the real-time action on Flamengo's official social media channels using the hashtag #FLAxVAS. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, like our page on Facebook and follow us on Snapchat (cr_flamengo). FlaTV also brings exclusive behind-the-scenes and match footage to the Red-Black Nation. Sign up with one click, it's free!