Flamengo and Cruz Azul are preparing for a major clash this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in the second round of FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The match, which counts for a place in the semi-finals against Pyramids FC, will be played at Estádio Ahmed bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar, starting at 2pm at Brasília time (5pm local at Doha). The Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg will be responsible for conducting the duel.
The red-and-black team, under the command of coach Filipe Luís, confirmed its lineup with Agustín Rossi in goal, Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Jorge Carrascal and Samuel Lino, with Bruno Henrique acting as the offensive reference. The team seeks to maintain the winning pace of a season that has already yielded Libertadores and Brasileirão.
FIFA Intercontinental Cup, in its new annual format, brings together the continental champions in a tournament that promises excitement and a prize of US$50 million for the winner. The grand final is scheduled for December 17th, where the winner will face Paris Saint-Germain. Enquanto or
The expectation is for an intense tactical clash in an arena with a capacity for 45 thousand people, which has already hosted 23 games since Copa of Mundo in 2022. Já o Cruz Azul has played 54 games, boasting seven CONCACAF titles and with 40% of their goals coming from set pieces.
Red and black line-up confirmed for the clash
Agustín On the right flank, Guillermo Varela assumes the position, with 12 assists in precise crosses that have become an offensive weapon for the team.
The defense duo will be made up of Léo Ortiz, who returns, and Léo Pereira, forming a defensive sector that accumulates 68 average tackles per match. Alex Sandro completes the defensive line on the left, contributing both in marking and in attacks. The 4-2-3-1 formation chosen by Filipe Luís prioritizes quick transitions, a strategic adaptation to the climatic conditions of Doha, with temperatures above 30°C.
Tactical duels in midfield and attack
The Flamengo midfield will feature the duo Erick Pulgar and Jorginho, responsible for anchoring the marking and dictating the pace of the game. Pulgar stands out with an 85% accuracy rate on long passes, while Jorginho is crucial in recovering balls, with an average of 54 per game, solidifying possession and offensive transition.
In creation, Giorgian of Arrascaeta will be the main playmaker, with a prolific season of 23 goals and 18 assists in 2025, demonstrating his fundamental importance in articulating plays. Jorge Carrascal will play on the right, showing a high success rate in dribbling, with 72% of successful shots, while Samuel Lino will exploit his speed on the left in searing counterattacks.
Bruno Henrique centralizes the attack in the absence of Pedro, having already scored 15 goals this season. Este’s offensive sector has demonstrated great efficiency, as evidenced by their five recent unbeaten games, including a thrilling 3-3 draw with Mirassol at Campeonato Brasileiro.
Significant absences on both sides
Flamengo will face Cruz Azul with important absences. Pedro, the team’s top scorer, has been out with a thigh muscle injury since November, which forced Bruno Henrique to play as a false 9.
On the Mexican side, Cruz Azul also deals with crucial casualties. Jesús Orozco suffered a dislocated ankle with multiligament injury during the clash against Tigres and will be absent. His Além, Andrés Montaño and Kevin Mier are in the process of recovering from recent injuries, weakening the team’s rearguard.
These absences expose the Mexican defense, which already has an average of 3.29 cards per match under the refereeing of Glenn Nyberg. The situation poses an extra challenge for coach Nicolás Larcamón, who will have to adjust the defensive strategy to contain the red-and-black attack.
The losses in both squads increase the importance of reserve players, such as Ignacio Rivero in Cruz Azul and Danilo in Flamengo, who can be used to fill the gaps. Essas changes can directly influence the high pressure exerted by Flamengo, who maintains an average of 62% possession of the ball.
Cruz Azul strategy and likely formation
Coach Nicolás Larcamón, from Cruz Azul, should adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation for the decisive match. Agustín Gudiño will be the goalkeeper, with a defensive line made up of Willer Ditta, Erik Lira and Gonzalo Piovi. Defensive solidity will be essential to contain Flamengo’s offensive momentum.
On the wings, Omar Campos and Carlos Rodríguez, with 72% of the chances created, will be the main playmaker, playing behind the attacking duo.
Cruz Azul’s offensive sector will feature Gabriel Fernández and Ángel Sepúlveda, a duo that has already scored 12 goals in CONCACAF and is known for its efficiency in dead balls, responsible for 40% of the team’s goals. The team reaches Catar after a 0-0 draw with Tigres in the Liga MX semifinal, prioritizing the preservation of its starting base for Mundial from Clubes.
Key individual matchups on the field
The midfield duel promises to be one of the highlights of the match, with Giorgian of Arrascaeta leading Flamengo against Carlos Rodríguez, of Cruz Azul. Arrascaeta stands out for its 85% accuracy in fouls and creating plays, while Rodríguez is crucial for Mexico’s articulation. Up front, Bruno Henrique will have the mission to overcome Willer Ditta in aerial duels, where the red-black team has a 58% success rate in the disputes. Wingers Samuel Lino and Jorge Carrascal will explore the flanks against Rotondi and Campos, who have a defensive efficiency of 34%. In goal, Agustín Rossi, with his impressive 78% save rate, will face Ángel Sepúlveda, Cruz Azul’s top scorer with three goals in the Liga MX group stage. Esses individual clashes will be decisive for the final result, with Flamengo projected to have 58% control of ball possession.
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Live coverage and the route on the Intercontinental
The match between Flamengo and The VAR, under the responsibility of Fedayi San, will be attentive to review decisive moves and ensure fairness in the game. The winner of this clash will advance to the semi-finals at Copa Challenger, where they will face Pyramids, seeking a place in the grand final against PSG and the chance to win the US$50 million prize. Flamengo is aiming for its fifth trophy in 2025, while Cruz Azul is looking for a surprise victory in its first official clash against the red and black. The annual FIFA tournament reinforces the balance between the Américas, with the Brazilian team emerging as the favorite after its recent achievements, including the titles over the Palmeiras.