The Flamengo debuts at Copa Intercontinental 2025 this Wednesday, December 10th, at 2pm (Brasília time), against the Catar. Striker Pedro is out of the game due to a muscle injury in his left thigh and is carrying out individual activities in the medical department, despite having traveled with the delegation. The match, called Derby das Américas by Fifa, is broadcast live on Globo and on sportv, with follow-up on
The confrontation marks the first official challenge between the teams, with the winner advancing and immediately lifting the trophy, according to the entity’s rule to enhance the tournament. Flamengo arrives with an almost complete squad, but the absence of Pedro forces adjustments in the attack.
The center forward’s injury occurred in October, after a fracture in his right forearm in the Libertadores semifinal. His recovery is progressing, but without collective training, he will miss out on his debut.
Current status of Pedro on Flamengo
Pedro traveled to Catar to accompany the group and intensify physiotherapy. The medical department prioritizes player protection, with plans to return in later stages of the tournament.
Coach Filipe Luís confirmed that the attacker did not train on the pitch with the team. The expectation is to advance to the semi-finals or final, if Flamengo advances.
Red-black preparation without shirt 9
Flamengo has held four training sessions at the match venue since arriving on Sunday. The anticipated title of Brasileirão allowed the starters to rest in the last national round.
Filipe Luís tested formations with Bruno Henrique in command of the attack. The absence of Pedro does not change the base schema, but reinforces the importance of options like Samuel Lino.
The complete squad, except for the absence, includes reinforcements such as Jorginho and Léo Ortiz. The early trip gave him a logistical advantage over his Mexican rival.
Mexican wear after recent elimination
Cruz Azul lost the Torneio Apertura semi-final to América on Saturday. The delegation arrived at Doha on Monday night, with less than 48 hours of acclimatization.
Nicolás Larcamón adjusts the defense without defender Jesús Orozco, injured in his ankle. The team is betting on Gabriel Fernández, with 12 goals this season, as its main offensive weapon.
Probable lineup of Flamengo
Filipe Luís must line up the Libertadores starting team:
- Rossi;
- Varela, Léo Ortiz (or Danilo), Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro;
- Pulgar, Jorginho, Arrascaeta;
- Carrascal, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.
Bruno Henrique takes over as reference in the area. Arrascaeta and Pulgar dictate the pace in midfield, focusing on quick transitions.
The doubt remains in the defense, where Léo Ortiz returns with a sprained ankle. Danilo is an immediate alternative for the trainer.
Probable lineup of Cruz Azul
Mexican Nicolás Larcamón opts for a formation with three defenders:
- 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 formation changes to 3-4-3 in offensive moments. Rotondi and Sánchez explore the flanks with crosses for Fernández.
Swedish arbitration ensures balance
Glenn Nyberg, from Suécia, referees the duel with assistants Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderkvist. The fourth referee is Espen Andreas, from Noruega, and the VAR is with Fedayi San, from Suíça.
Nyberg directed games from Eurocopa 2024 and Champions League. The European choice follows the Fifa protocol for international neutrals.
Live streaming and tracking
The channels cover the game on multiple platforms:
- Open TV: Globo for all Brasil
- Closed TV: sportv
- Online: ge.globo and Globoplay with streaming
- Time Real: ge, including videos of goals and VAR
The winner will face the winner of Al Ahly x Al Hilal in the semifinals, on December 14th. Flamengo is looking for its third world championship this season.
