Luis Enrique projects challenging clash against Flamengo in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar

Paris Saint-Germain is preparing for the final of Copa Intercontinental against Flamengo, scheduled for Wednesday, December 17th, at 8pm local time on

Coach Luis Enrique highlighted the quality of the Red and Black opponent after PSG’s 3-2 victory over Metz in Ligue 1.

Flamengo secured their place in the final by defeating Pyramids 2-0 in the semi-final, with goals from Léo Pereira and Danilo.

Luis Enrique compared the duel to the old Mundial of Clubes and emphasized that the difference between European and South American teams has decreased.

• The Spanish coach observed the performance of Flamengo in the previous Mundial of Clubes.
• He praised the football played by the Brazilian team.
• He highlighted the experience of the red and black players.

Prochaine étape: Doha pour la finale de la Coupe Intercontinentale! 🔴🔵@qatarairways I @VisitQatar pic.twitter.com/fsUqcWf6Q0

—Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside)December 14, 2025

Preparing teams for the decision

PSG used an alternative lineup in the game against Metz to preserve starters. Gonçalo Ramos, Ndjantou and Désiré Doué scored the French winning goals. The Paris delegation travels to Catar after the commitment for Ligue 1.

Flamengo reaches the final undefeated in the competition reformulated by Fifa. The Rio team beat Cruz Azul and Pyramids in the previous stages. Filipe Luís leads Rubro-Negro in search of another international title.

Statements by Luis Enrique about the opponent

Luis Enrique stated that Flamengo plays high-level football. Ele mentioned having watched the Brazilian team’s games the previous summer. The coach sees the clash as an opportunity to motivate PSG.

He compared the current final with that of 2015, when he led Barcelona against River Plate. On Naquela occasion, the technical difference was greater. Desta time, the coach expects a balanced and difficult game. Ele reinforced that the opponent has experienced players and a good coach.

Flamengo’s path to the final

Rubro-Negro started their journey with a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul. In the semi-final against Pyramids, they dominated the action and won 2-0. Giorgian from Arrascaeta provided decisive assists in both goals.

Flamengo also won Copa Challenger with their triumph over the Egyptians. The team is seeking the intercontinental world title after recent campaigns. The Rio club arrives rested for the unique duel against the Europeans.

Competition history and format

Copa Intercontinental reformulated by Fifa replaces the old Mundial of Clubes in annual format. The Champions League champion enters directly into the final. PSG qualified as the winner of the 2024-25 edition of the Liga of the Campeões.

Flamengo represented América of Sul as champion of Libertadores. The decision brings together continental champions in direct confrontation. The tournament takes place at Catar, with a stadium that hosted games from Copa to Mundo in 2022.

Expectations for the duel at Catar

Both teams arrive motivated after victories in their last matches. PSG spared key players in the French league game. Luis Enrique projected equal motivation for both sides.

Flamengo maintains a positive streak in international competitions. The confrontation promises technical balance between Europeans and South Americans. The match defines the champion of Copa Intercontinental 2025.