Back home, Flamengo hosts Bahia this Thursday at 9 p.m. at Ilha do Urubu for the 29th round of the 2017 Brazilian Championship. They have one goal: to win. After beating Chapecoense away from home (1-0), Flamengo is looking for a second straight win to get even closer to the top four and a spot in the 2018 Copa Libertadores. 

The team's last match at Ilha do Urubu was on September 23, a 1-1 draw with Avaí. Since then, the team has traveled to Campinas (0-1, Ponte Preta), Maracanã (1-1, Fluminense), and Chapecó (1-0, Chapecoense). Now, back at home, Flamengo aims to build on a winning streak to advance in the Brazilian Championship and also gain more confidence for the South American Cup. Coach Reinaldo Rueda's goal clearly reflects this objective. 

"We need to win all ten. That's the goal we set ourselves. We know it will be very difficult, but that's our commitment in the final stretch for Flamengo, which needs to secure its international participation," said the coach in the press conference held at Ninho do Urubu last Tuesday. Watch the full press conference on Fla TV below.

Flamengo and Bahia have played 83 matches in total, with the Mais Querido (Bahia) having the upper hand. In Rio de Janeiro, in the Brazilian Championship, there were 12 matches, with Flamengo winning five, drawing four, and losing three. The teams have never met on Ilha do Urubu; this will be the first time. The other matches in Rio took place at Maracanã, Engenhão, and Moacyrzão. 

The biggest win recorded in games between Flamengo and Bahia in the Brazilian Championship happened in 2003 when Fla won 6-0 at Maracanã (07/08/03), with goals from Fernando, Edílson (3) and Rafael (2). 

The first duel between Flamengo and Bahia, in the Brazilian Championship, took place on August 11, 1971, at Fonte Nova. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals scored by Carlinhos for Bahia and Zico for Flamengo.

In the first round, Flamengo defeated Bahia at Fonte Nova, 1-0, with a goal by Berrío. Remember how it happened? Relive it here on Fla TV.

Zico's goal at Fonte Nova was not just one, but the Galinho de Quintino's first goal as a professional Flamengo player. It was his fourth game for the team, then coached by Fleitas Solich. Six minutes into the second half, Murilo launched a ball from midfield to the edge of the box. Before the Tricolor defense could clear, Zé Eduardo rose highest and headed the ball into the box, where no one was present. Zico raced in, controlled the ball with one touch, and with another, deprived goalkeeper Renato of any chance of saving it. It was the first of his 508 goals for Flamengo's professional team. 

Tickets for Flamengo vs. Bahia are on sale at physical locations until 17 p.m. (Gávea) and 20 p.m. at Espaço Rubro-Negro in Ilha Plaza Shopping. Check out other locations, prices, and terms and conditions on the website. flamengo.com.br/tickets

Mengão Bus

Flamengo is offering another EXCLUSIVE benefit to its fan club members. The club will sell round-trip transportation passes to matches at Ilha do Urubu for R$40. http://flamengo.com.br/onibus

Flamengo x Bahia will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere FC. 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!

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