Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Day 6 blog: Werkself watch Flamengo win derby at the Maracanã

+++ 20 July, 21.37: Flamengo win Brazil's fiercest derby +++

The Bayer 04 group were on the edge of their seats watching the city derby between Flamengo and Fluminense. The match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw but Flamengo struck late on with a goal scored by the former Fluminense striker Pedro. The atmosphere at the Maracanã was fantastic with great disappointment on the one hand and frenetic celebrations on the other. What a night!

The Bayer 04 group are now heading straight back to the team hotel. Players, coaches and staff will have a late-night snack – and then day six is over.

Let’s take a short look at tomorrow: The Werkself have their next training session in the morning. At the same time as training, a small delegation will visit the ‘Bola Pra Frente’ institute outside of Rio that was founded by former Leverkusen player and 1994 World Cup winner Jorginho. The former right-back – after Tita – the second Bayer 04 Brazilian who played for the Werkself in 1989 to 1992. After that, the team will have some free time. We will report for you again tomorrow. See you then!

+++ 20 July, 19.04: FlaFlu about to kick off! +++

The Bayer 04 group has arrived at the legendary Maracanã Stadium. The atmosphere is brilliant. The fans of both teams shout, sing and drum like there’s no tomorrow. That really gets you in the mood. Players, coaches and staff take their seats and the kick-off is in about 25 minutes.

+++ 20 July, 17.36: FlaFlu - Rivalry since 1911 +++

The Bayer 04 group is about to set off on the 60-minute journey to the Maracanã Stadium, the home ground to both teams from Rio – Flamengo and Fluminense. There are also other similarities between the two clubs: Both teams impressed at the Club World Cup staged in the USA for the first time: In today's match, the Urubu (vultures) can go ten points clear of Fluminense who have played one game less. More information on the biggest derby in Brazil can be found HERE.

Going to watch the derby is particularly special for one person: Analysis assistant coach Marcel Daum today celebrates his 39th birthday – congratulations! There are definitely worse places to spend your birthday…

+++ 20 July, 14.36: Palacios on Rio derby and his role in the team +++

To get in the mood for this evening's match, bayer04.de asked Werkself player Exequiel Palacios at the team hotel about the ‘FlaFlu’ at the Maracanã. Palacios: “It's a stadium with a big history and is one of the most important arenas in world football. I had the fortune to play in and win the Copa América final here in 2021. It was one of the biggest moments in my career and that's why I have very good memories of the Maracanã.” Other areas covered in the interview: the necessary break in the summer, the resulting yearning for football, and his role in the rebuilt team. The full interview can be found here HERE. Palacios and Co. are now going to lunch…

+++ 20 July, 13.42: Maza with the media after another intensive session +++

Training started with an intensive warm-up routine including weights and resistance bands. That was followed by games on a restricted pitch with high concentration and volume – not just on the ball but also with push-ups and runs thrown in again and again. At the end there was an 11-a-side game. The four goalkeepers worked on the neighbouring pitch as did Piero Hincapie and Jeanuel Belocian but less intensively. Intensive is the word of the day: in the background on the hoardings at the stadium in big letters is the slogan ‘Raça, Amor e Paixão’ - which is also the Flamengo club song. Translated it means 'courage, love and passion'. This is not just a song for Flamengo supporters but also a symbol of loyalty, enthusiasm and unstinting support for their team. It also represents the cry of the vulture associated with the club.

After the session, Ibrahim Maza spoke to the media about the training camp with his new teammates: "It's been very intensive up to now. The quality of the training is very high. It's brilliant to be able to play here." The number ten has got on really well on and off the pitch with Robert Andrich from the start: "He always has a couple of cool expressions. We understand each other brilliantly, probably because we both have a connection to Berlin. That helps settling in faster.” And the midfielder also only had positive words for head coach Erik ten Hag: "He's a great coach, tactically very astute. His training sessions are long and tiring but I notice that he wants to help me and he's given me lots of good tips."

+++ 20 July, 09.12: Hard work again and then derby time! +++

Bom dia! We start day six. For the Werkself, there is first another intensive training session on the agenda on Sunday morning – albeit under cloudy skies but with mild temperatures today. After lunch and a short breather at the team hotel, the Bayer 04 group have the next highlight after yesterday's visit to Christ the Redeemer: The derby between Flamengo and Fluminense at the historic Maracanã Stadium. In preparation and to get into the mood for the special evening, a small Bayer 04 delegation led by CEO Fernando Carro met representatives of Flamengo for lunch together. The derby kicks off at 19:30. As usual we will take you there via the day's events.