Flamengo secured a place in the FIFA 2025 Copa Intercontinental semi-final by beating Cruz Azul 2-1, this Wednesday (10), at Estádio Ahmad Bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar. The goals from Giorgian and Arrascaeta, in the 14th minute of the first half and in the 26th minute of the second, defined the score, despite the partial equalizer scored by Jorge Sánchez in the 43rd minute of the first half. The clash, valid for Dérbi of
The Rio team, coached by Filipe Luís, is now preparing to face Pyramids, from Egito, on Saturday (13), at 2pm (Brasília time), at the same stadium. The match decides the winner of Copa Challenger, who will advance to the final against Paris Saint-Germain on December 17th, also at 2pm. The broadcast will take place on TV Globo, SporTV, ge.tv, CazéTV and FIFA+.
This classification keeps Flamengo in the hunt for the world title, after recent achievements in the Libertadores and Brasileirão of 2025.
- Arrascaeta was voted best on the pitch, with 85% passing accuracy and two decisive assists.
- Cruz Azul pressed at the end, but was stopped by Rossi’s defenses, which prevented a draw.
- Filipe Luís praised the team’s resilience, highlighting the importance of the comeback in the second half.
CR Flamengo are FIFA Derby of the Americas champions! 🏆
— FIFA (@FIFAcom)December 11, 2025
After beating Cruz Azul, they will now face Pyramids FC in the FIFA Challenger Cup this Saturday — with the winner progressing to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final on 17 December.
Congratulations,@Flemish! 👏pic.twitter.com/FDiZaql4Ob
Flamengo’s trajectory towards the semi-final
Rubro-Negro entered the field with a run of three titles in less than a month. The victory over Palmeiras in the final of Libertadores, followed by Brasileirão, boosted the team’s confidence. No Dérbi of the Américas, the Flamengo controlled 58% of the ball possession and finished 14 times, compared to nine from the Mexican opponent.
The Filipe Luís strategy prioritized quick transitions, exploring the wings with Everton Cebolinha and Luiz Araújo. Arrascaeta, with his two goals, became the tournament’s top scorer so far, scoring three in two matches. The coach adjusted the marking at half-time, neutralizing the Cruz Azul midfield and guaranteeing the turnaround.
This performance reinforces the favoritism of Flamengo, who have already faced Europeans in past editions of the old Intercontinental format.
Discover Pyramids, the African challenge
Founded in 2008, Pyramids FC won Liga from Campeões from África in its second participation, eliminating FAR Rabat, The Egyptian club, current vice-leader of the Campeonato Egípcio, has a squad with an average age of 27 years old and investment in foreign players.
Coach Krunoslav Jurčić leads a team that prioritizes quick counterattacks. Destaques include striker Fiston Mayele, scorer of two goals against Al-Ahli, and goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy, with 12 clean sheets this season. The Pyramids reached the Catar after a 6-1 defeat at the Copa of the Liga Egípcia, but with the starters rested.
Pyramids’s path in the qualifiers
In September, the Egyptian team started the campaign with a 3-0 score over Auckland City, from Nova Zelândia, in the Cairo, in the África-Oceania playoff. Walid El Karti and Mohamed Chibi scored, exploiting the rival’s defensive errors. Essa victory qualified Pyramids for the confrontation with Al-Ahli, from Arábia Saudita.
On September 23rd, in Jedá, Pyramids turned it into 3-1, with Mayele scoring twice and Ibrahim Toure closing the score. The game had balanced possession, but African efficiency prevailed, with 65% success in shots on goal. Essa sequence yielded the symbolic title of Copa África-Asia-Pacific.
The advancement represents the first time that the club has competed in a global tournament, marking its rapid rise on the continent.
This trajectory demonstrates the defensive solidity of Pyramids, who conceded just one goal in the two matches. The Egyptian team traveled to Catar with a full squad, including veteran Essam El Hadary as a consultant.
Highlights of the red and black squad for the duel
Filipe Luís climbed Flamengo with a focus on tactical balance, using a 4-2-3-1 formation. Rossi, in goal, recorded three crucial saves, including one from a shot by Gabriel Fernández. The defense, anchored by Fabrício Bruno and Léo Pereira, blocked 12 Mexican advances.
In the middle, Jorginho and De La Cruz dictated the pace, with 92% pass accuracy. Arrascaeta, in addition to the goals, created four clear chances. In attack, Pedro remains injured, but Gonzalo Plata started well in the second half, assisting the second goal.
Flamengo trained regeneratively on Thursday, with an emphasis on set pieces. Cebolinha, with an average speed of 34 km/h, will be a key player against the high marking of Pyramids.
Tactical formation of the confrontation at Catar
Saturday’s game promises a duel of contrasting styles. Flamengo relies on prolonged possession, averaging 62% in the last five games, while Pyramids prefers low lines and quick exits, as seen in their elimination victories.
Arbitration will be by Szymon Marciniak, from Polônia, known for his rigidity in lateral fouls. The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium, with a capacity of 45 thousand, hosted the Copa of the Mundo in 2022 and maintains the pitch in ideal conditions, with an average temperature of 25°C in the afternoon.
Global broadcasts include FIFA+, with narration in multiple languages. The prize for the winner of the semi-final is US$4 million, in addition to the Copa Challenger trophy.
Expectations for Copa Challenger
Both teams arrive with high morale. Flamengo, after Dérbi of Américas, focuses on physical recovery, with Filipe Luís sparing starters in light training. Pyramids, supported by the African title, tests new players such as midfielder Mohamed Hassan, author of key assists.
History of intercontinental clashes favors South Americans, with 70% wins in similar duels since 2020. However, Pyramids surprised with 3.2 goals per game in CAF Champions.
The winner will face PSG, who are saving players for the final, according to reports. Essa match could set the tone for the decision on December 17th.