Flamengo and Cruz Azul face each other this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 2pm (Brasília time), at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, 20 km from Doha, at Catar. The confrontation is valid for the second phase of Copa Intercontinental 2025 and was officially named Derby from Américas by Fifa. The match is broadcast live on Globo on open TV and sportv on closed TV, in addition to monitoring on Tempo Real on ge.
The winner immediately raises the trophy and medals, a decision by Fifa to enhance the tournament before the new Copa of Mundo of Clubes in 2026.
Red-black advantage in preparation
The Flamengo anticipated the trip to the Catar and arrived on Sunday, December 7th. The team held four full training sessions at the game site, something rare this season.
The Brazilian title won in advance allowed the holders to be spared in the last round of the Brasileirão. Apenas center forward Pedro remains out due to an injury to his left thigh.
Cruz Azul arrives worn out at Catar
The Mexican team played in the Torneio Apertura semifinal on Saturday and lost to América. The delegation only disembarked at Doha on Monday night.
Coach Nicolás Larcamón has the absence of defender Jesús Orozco. Striker Gabriel Fernández, who scored 12 goals this season, is the main offensive reference.
Probable lineup of Flamengo
Filipe Luís must send to the field:
- Rossi;
- Varela, Léo Ortiz (or Danilo), Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro;
- Pulgar, Jorginho, Arrascaeta;
- Carrascal, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.
The formation maintains the 4-3-3 used in the conquests of Libertadores and Brasileirão. Jorginho and Samuel Lino, recent reinforcements, should make their debut as starters in official knockout games.
Probable lineup of Cruz Azul
Nicolás Larcamón must climb:
- Andrés Gudiño;
- Jorge Sánchez, Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Gonzalo Piovi, Rodo Rotondi (or
- Charly Rodríguez, Jeremy Márquez, José Paradela, Nacho Rivero and Gabriel Fernández.
The tactical scheme usually varies between 3-4-3 and 5-3-2. The team bets on speed on the sides and the physical presence of Fernández in the area.
European arbitration in charge
The Swedish Glenn Nyberg referees the game, assisted by Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderkvist, also from Suíça. VAR is the responsibility of the Swiss Fedayi San.
Nyberg has already officiated matches at Champions League and Eurocopa 2024. The presence of European referees follows the standard adopted by Fifa in recent international tournaments.
Where to watch and follow
The broadcast takes place on the following channels:
- Open TV: Globo (for all Brasil)
- Closed TV: sportv
- Streaming: ge.globo and Globoplay
- Time Real: ge with exclusive videos of goals and controversial moves
Flamengo is looking for its third title of the season after Libertadores and Brasileirão. The Cruz Azul is trying for its first international trophy since the Concacaf Champions League in 2024.
The classified will face the winner of Al Ahly x Al Hilal in the final, scheduled for December 14th, also in Doha.
