Four points separate Flamengo from the top four of the Brazilian Championship. This is also the distance between Flamengo and its next opponent, Palmeiras, exactly the limit of the direct qualification line for the 2018 Copa Libertadores. Currently in seventh place, Flamengo is looking to win its second consecutive match in the competition with five rounds remaining.

The last match between Flamengo and Palmeiras was in the first round of the Brazilian Championship, at Ilha do Urubu, and ended in a 2-2 draw. Watch the Flamengo goals from the match, scored by Pará and Guerrero, on FlaTV. 

The first clash between Palmeiras and Flamengo in the Brazilian Championships took place

on 09/19/71 at Morumbi, and was won by the Rio team by 2x1, goals by Samarone and Rogério, with Luís Pereira scoring for Palmeiras.

Flamengo was Palmeiras' last opponent under the name Palestra Italia. On March 25, 1942, the two teams faced each other in the Quinela de Ouro Tournament, drawing 2-2. Echevarrieta and Lima scored the goals for Palmeiras, making Lima the last player to score for Palestra Italia.

The only official decision between Flamengo and Palmeiras took place in 1999, for the Mercosul Cup. In the first leg, at Maracanã, the Mais Querido won 4x3, with goals from Juan, Caio (2) and Reinaldo, on 12/16. In the return leg, in São Paulo, the 3x3 draw (goals from Caio, Rodrigo Mendes and Lê) gave the title to Flamengo, on 12/20. 

Rubro-negro defender Juan is the only one remaining from that 1999 decision. He was 20 years old at the time and formed the central defense duo with Célio Silva, in the team then coached by Carlinhos. 

Flamengo's biggest victory over Palmeiras in the Brazilian championships was in 1980, at Maracanã, when the red-black team was relentless in the 6x2, on 13/04. Zico (2), Tita (2), Toninho Baiano and Nunes scored in the rout over Telê Santana's team. 

This century, Flamengo's top scorers against Palmeiras are Ibson (4), Petkovic (3), Vagner Love, Alan Patrick, Ederson and Pará (2). The latter two players are the top scorers in the match in the current squad. 

Fans wishing to see the game at Allianz Parque must purchase their tickets at the stadium's Ticket Office D, on Rua Padre Antonio Tomás, starting at 14 p.m. The price is R$110, which includes half-price tickets. Online tickets are not available. 

The match will be broadcast by TV Globo for RJ, RS, SC, PR, MG, ES, GO, TO, MS, MT, BA, SE, AL, PB, RN, CE, PI, MA, PA, AM, RO, AC, RR, AP and DF, in addition to Premiere and Premiere HD. Those who are proud to be members 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 products, and much more. Click and join now!

You can also follow the live action on Flamengo's official social media channels using the hashtag #PALxFLA. 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!