The coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique, declared this Wednesday (10) that he prefers to face Pyramids, from The statement came after PSG’s 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao, at Champions League, at Bilbao, at Espanha. The Spanish coach praised the level of the Rio club and justified the choice for the lesser-known opponent.
Flamengo secured a place in the semi-finals by beating Cruz Azul 2-1, in Doha, in Catar, and will now face Pyramids on Saturday (13). The winner of this duel will face PSG or Botafogo in the decision, scheduled for December 18th.
Declaration generated immediate repercussions
Luis Enrique gave an interview to TNT Sports after the game on Espanha. Ele responded with good humor when asked about a possible final against Flamengo.
The coach stated verbatim that he prefers Pyramids, a club that he admits he doesn’t know well, precisely to avoid the red-black team. The phrase “my preference is not Flamengo, that’s clear” became a topic among fans on the networks.
Praise for the cast and technical command
The Spaniard highlighted the quality of the Rio squad.
He cited Flamengo’s campaign in the last Mundial of Clubes, when the team beat Chelsea 3-1 in the group stage.
Luis Enrique mentioned experienced players and the work of coach Tite as factors that make Flamengo dangerous.
The analysis reinforces the positive impression left by the Brazilian club in recent competitions.
Flamengo’s path to the semi-final
Rubro-Negro debuted at Intercontinental with a 2-0 victory over Esperance, from Tunísia.
In the next phase, they beat Cruz Azul 2-1, with goals from Luiz Araújo and Bruno Henrique.
The team showed tactical organization and efficiency in counterattacks during the two games played in Doha.
The performance placed the club as one of the favorites for the unprecedented title.
Upcoming appointments define finalists
PSG only enters the field in the final, as they are the current champions of Champions League.
Before that, the French team faces Metz on Saturday (13), at Campeonato Francês.
The semi-final between Flamengo and Pyramids takes place at 2pm (from Brasília), at Estádio Lusail, at Catar.
The winner advances to face PSG in the competition’s grand final.
Format of Copa Intercontinental 2025
The competition brings together continental champions in a knockout format.
The tournament replaces the old Mundial from Clubes in its annual version.
The champion of Libertadores faces representatives from África, Ásia and Concacaf before the decision.
FIFA organizes the event as a transition to the new Mundial from Clubes with 32 teams, scheduled for June 2025.
Reactions in Brazilian football
Flamengo leaders received praise from Luis Enrique in recognition of the work done.
Players consulted treated the statement as extra motivation for the semifinal.
The clash against Pyramids gained even more attention after the PSG coach’s words.
The red and black fans are already planning support in Doha for Saturday’s game.