Former Barcelona & Chelsea star Deco compares Fla-Flu to El Clásico

Fluminense midfielder Deco believes the Fla-Flu derby is similar to games contested between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo and Fluminense will face each other in a Brasileirão fixture this Sunday at the Engenhão, and before the game, the two clubs will pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of their rivalry.

''There is a lot of history between the two clubs,'' Deco told reporters. ''We certainly want to be part of this beautiful story by winning on Sunday.

''The game is only worth three points, but it has a special taste to it that's for sure.''

Deco was asked by a journalist to compare the Flamengo-Fluminense rivalry to some other clashes fought between two clubs around the world. The former Portugal international said:

''Maybe it's like Real Madrid-Barcelona or Chelsea against Tottenham. They are both from the same city and both have a big rivalry.

''Since I was a kid, I always watched the Fla-Flu games.

''Every boy knows all the players from both teams, everyone knows the history of both clubs. It has always been a special game.''

The world record football match attendance between clubs is a Fla-Flu with 194,603 in 1963 at the Maracanã.