Flamengo begins its campaign at Copa Intercontinental 2025 this Wednesday, December 10, against Cruz Azul, in Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, in Al Rayyan, in Catar. The clash, known as Derby of Américas, pits the CONMEBOL champions The match starts at 8pm local time on Doha (2pm on
- Flamengo has played 76 games this season, with an unbeaten record at home in the Brasileirão and only 27 goals conceded.
- Cruz
- Odds indicate red-black favoritism: 1.53 for a win, 5.75 for a draw and 4.00 for the Mexican.
- Live broadcast takes place on Globo, SporTV, GE TV, Prime Video and FIFA+.
Analysts predict a score of 2-1 for Flamengo, with a 76% probability of both scoring, based on betting house simulations.
Red and black defensive formation highlighted
Agustín Rossi returns as the absolute starter in goal, after 35 clean sheets this season and a 78% save rate. The Argentine stands out in ball clearances and interceptions, with an average of 2.1 per game.
Guillermo Varela occupies the right flank, bringing 12 assists in crosses and experience in international duels. Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira make up the central defense, with Ortiz back from injury and Pereira recording 68 tackles per game on average.
Alex Essa linha testou solidez em cinco jogos invictos recentes, incluindo empate em 3-3 com o Mirassol no Brasileirão.
Lineup confirmed
Lineup Flamengo (coach: Filipe Luís)1 – Rossi 2 – G. Varela 3 – L. Henrique (C)
Blue lineup Cruz (coach: N. Larcamón)1 – Gudiño 2 – Sánchez 4 – Ditta 6 – Lira 15 – Piovi
(C) = Capitão
Creative midfield defines transitions
Erick Pulgar and Jorginho anchor the marking, with Pulgar distributing 85% of long passes and Jorginho recovering 54 balls per match. The Chilean takes the lead in interceptions, with 61% efficiency.
Giorgian from Jorge Carrascal floats on the right, with 72% success in dribbling and focusing on infiltrations.
Samuel Lino advances from the left in counterattacks, registering 34% efficiency in decisive crosses. Bruno Henrique centralizes the attack as a false 9, with 15 goals this season and winning 58% of aerial duels.
This configuration prioritizes possession of 62% on average, adapted to the artificial turf of Ahmad bin Ali.
Embezzlements force tactical adjustments
Pedro has remained out due to a thigh muscle injury since November, making room for Bruno Henrique in command of the area. Matías Viña and Allan also lack, limiting options on the side and volatility, which increases the burden on Pulgar.
Léo Ortiz returns to defense after recovery, while Danilo serves as an immediate alternative. Kevin Mier, Flamengo’s reserve goalkeeper, remains away, but the squad maintains depth with names like Ayrton Lucas in defense.
Filipe Luís promoted rotations in training in Doha to preserve energy in the marathon of 76 matches. The coach emphasized in a press conference the importance of hydration and short passes in the local heat.
Probable holders of Cruz Azul in the confrontation
Agustín Gudiño protects the goal, with an average of 2.3 saves per game in the Liga MX. Willer Ditta, Erik Lira and Gonzalo Piovi form the three-back line, with Ditta recording 68 average tackles.
Omar Campos and Carlos Rotondi advance along the wings, while Lucas Faravelli and Jeremy Márquez control the midfield. Carlos Rodríguez plays as a playmaker, creating 72% of offensive chances.
Gabriel Fernández and Ángel Sepúlveda lead the attack, responsible for 12 goals in CONCACAF, with Ignacio Rivero reinforcing transitions. The Mexican team records an average of 3.29 cards per match under Nyberg.
Cruz Azul focuses on set pieces, converting 40% of goals in this way, according to data from Liga MX.
Individual duels mark the balance
Arrascaeta faces Rodríguez in the middle, superior in free kick accuracy with 85% compared to the Mexican’s 50% in creations. Bruno Henrique tests Ditta in aerial duels, where Flamengo wins 58% of the contests.
Lino and Carrascal exploit the wings against Rotondi and Campos, with 34% defensive efficiency of the Mexican wingers. Rossi duels with Sepúlveda, Cruz Azul’s top scorer in 2025, in medium-distance shots.
These clashes set the pace, with 58% possession projected for Flamengo. The red-black team, undefeated in five games, seeks to explore spaces in the opponent’s quick transitions.
Coverage and next steps in the tournament
The broadcast starts at 1:30 pm on Brasília, equivalent to 4:30 pm local time, on channels such as Globo and SporTV, in addition to streaming on FIFA+. On YouTube, CazéTV offers real-time analysis for international fans.
The winner faces Pyramids FC in Challenger Cup, with a final against PSG on December 17th and a prize of US$50 million. Flamengo is aiming for the fifth trophy in 2025, while Cruz Azul is aiming for the first intercontinental since 1971.
The annual FIFA tournament brings together continental champions in a knockout format, with all phases in Catar for climate adaptation.
