It is quite possible that Fla-Flu is the most classic match in all of Brazilian football. The fierce title dispute between the Flamengo and Fluminense teams, both from Rio de Janeiro, refers to a rivalry developed since the inauguration of the Flamengo football team.
That's because, in the mid-1910s, when Flamengo – which was a power in rowing – decided to set up a football team, many of Fluminense's players transferred to the new team. Even so, this first match, which took place on July 7, 1912, yielded a victory for Fluminense.
Although this was the first dispute between Flamengo and Fluminense, the use of the term Fla-Flu was created and used only in 1933, by the journalist Mario Filho. After that moment, “Fla-Flu” became an element with its own meaning, which indicated much more than a simple dispute for victory. It is a particular experience in which the execution of the match refers to the multiple sensations in the fans and in the participants. This feeling becomes even more intense when it comes to the championship final and at the Maracanã stadium.
Currently, Flamengo has 31 titles from Rio against 30 from Fluminense. The finals played between the two teams, in this championship, were:
1915: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1919: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1920: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1924: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1925: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1927: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1936: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1937: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1938: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1940: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1941: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1943: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1953: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1963: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1969: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1972: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1973: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1979: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1983: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1984: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
1991: Flamengo (1º) Fluminense (2º)
1995: Fluminense (1º) Flamengo (2º)
By Paula Rondinelli
Brazil School Collaborator
Graduated in Physical Education from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP
Master in Motricity Sciences from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP
Doctoral Student in Integration of Latin America at the University of São Paulo - USP
Soccer - sports - PE - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/educacao-fisica/o-inicio-classico-fla-flu.htm