Fri Jun 20 19:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here are the summary and news article:

**Summary:**

Ahead of Flamengo’s Club World Cup match against Chelsea, former Flamengo player Rodrigo Mendes reflects on the team’s last victory against an English team (Leeds United in 1994), a game in which he scored his first professional goal. Mendes expresses confidence in Flamengo’s current form and believes they can break their 31-year drought against English clubs. He himself is in the US for the Club World Cup as the sporting director for Al-Ain.

**News Article:**

**Flamengo Aims to End 31-Year Drought Against English Clubs in Club World Cup Clash with Chelsea**

*Philadelphia, USA – June 20, 2025* – As Flamengo prepares to face Chelsea in the Club World Cup Group D match today in Philadelphia, memories of their last victory against an English team are resurfacing.

Rodrigo Mendes, who scored his first professional goal in that 1994 victory against Leeds United, believes Flamengo has what it takes to break the 31-year streak.

“I think Flamengo is very well structured and playing with great quality,” Mendes told the press. “I believe in a good result against Chelsea and that Flamengo can win.”

Mendes himself is also participating in the Club World Cup as the sporting director for Al-Ain, although his team suffered a heavy defeat in their opening match.

Flamengo fans are hoping Mendes’ confidence translates into a victory on the pitch as they look to advance in the tournament.

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