Flamengo advanced in FIFA’s Copa Intercontinental by beating Cruz Azul 2-1 this Wednesday, at Estádio Ahmad Bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar. The Brazilian team, coached by Filipe Luís, scored with two goals from Giorgian and Arrascaeta and guaranteed qualification for the next phase. The match took place at 2pm at Brasília time and saw the Mexicans temporarily draw with Jorge Sánchez before the second red-black goal.
The victory pits Flamengo against Pyramids, from Egito, on Saturday, December 13th, looking for a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. The preliminary clash between the American teams highlighted the efficiency of Rio’s attack, which exploited the opponent’s defensive errors. The tournament, in its new annual format, brings together continental champions and keeps the Catar stadiums active after the Copa of the Mundo in 2022.
Derby of Américas crowned Flamengo as their winner, a symbolic title that reinforces the club’s undefeated campaign in 2025. Arrascaeta, with his two goals, was elected man of the match and celebrated the collective achievement. The red and black fans, present at Doha, were thrilled with the result that keeps the chance of a world title alive.
Recent trajectory of Flamengo on Intercontinental
The Flamengo arrives packed after conquering the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirão in November. The team beat Palmeiras in the continental final 1-0, with a goal from Danilo, and sealed the national title with a dominant campaign.
In Intercontinental, the Brazilian team avoided surprises in Derby from Américas by neutralizing the attacks of Cruz Azul. The defense, led by Léo Pereira, conceded just one goal in the entire match.
Filipe Luís adjusted the high pressure in the second half, which resulted in the decisive goal. Bruno Henrique highlighted the importance of tactical compression for success.
Pyramids prevails in the preliminary stages
Pyramids qualified by beating Auckland City 3-0 in September, at Cairo. Walid El Karti, Marwan Hamdy and Mostafa Ziko scored the goals in the victory over the New Zealanders.
Afterwards, the Egyptian team defeated Al-Ahli, from Arábia Saudita, 3-1, in Jeddah. Fiston Mayele was the highlight with two goals, consolidating the African campaign.
Founded in 2008, Pyramids wins its first participation in a world tournament as champion of Liga of Campeões of África. The squad features veterans such as goalkeeper Ekramy, 42 years old.
The Egyptian club maintains an average of two goals per match in the qualifiers and relies on quick counterattacks.
Individual highlights in the American clash
Arrascaeta opened the scoring in the 15th minute, taking advantage of a wrong pass from Gonzalo Piovi. The Uruguayan controlled the ball and finished with precision into the back of the net.
Sánchez equalized in the 44th minute, with a low shot into the right corner of the Rossi goalkeeper. The Mexican exploited space in the red and black defense with a free kick.
In the second half, Arrascaeta shone again in the 71st minute. Ele recebeu lançamento longo, driblou o marcador e tocou na saída do goleiro para selar a virada.
Everton Cebolinha created chances with assists, while Pulgar controlled the midfield with crucial interceptions.
Tactical formation and likely lineups
Filipe Luís opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation in Derby of Américas. Rossi in goal, with Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro in defense.
In the middle, Pulgar and Jorginho provided support, with Arrascaeta, Carrascal and Cebolinha in attack, Bruno Henrique in front.
For Cruz Azul, the coach used 4-3-3, with Rotondi creating plays on the wings. Ditta reinforced the defense, but mistakes were costly.
For the duel with Pyramids, Flamengo must maintain the base, with a possible entry of Léo Ortiz by Danilo.
- Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro
- Pulgar, Jorginho; Arrascaeta, Gerson, Cebolinha
- Bruno Henrique
Pyramids, under the command of Al-Hazem, adopts 4-2-3-1 with an emphasis on quick transitions. Ekramy in goal, with Ziko in attack.
- Ekramy; El Abar, Hamdy, Toure, Sobhi
- Fathy, Naguib; El Karti, Mayele, Zizo
- Ramadan
Awards and logistics at Catar
The classification earned Flamengo around R$11 million in prize money from FIFA. The amount covers travel costs, but the final guarantees an additional gain of R$50 million.
The Estádio Ahmad Bin Ali, with a capacity of 45 thousand, hosts all the final phases. Construído for Copa 2022, the site has hybrid turf and refrigeration technology.
The broadcast takes place on TV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV and FIFA+, with live narration for the Brazilian public.
Teams reach Doha with delegations of 26 players each. Flamengo traveled without Pedro, injured, and Viña, suspended.
Expectations for Copa Challenger
Saturday’s clash takes place at 2pm on Brasília, in the same stadium. The winner will face PSG in the final, on December 17th.
The Pyramids exploits the speed of Mayele, scorer of five goals in the African Champions. Flamengo relies on the experience of Filipe Luís in Mundiais.
Analysts point to balance, with similar possession of the ball in the previous phases. The red-black team has a 60% chance of advancing, according to statistics from Opta.
The tournament reinforces the globalization of football, with audiences projected at 200 million spectators.
