Flamengo is preparing for the final of Copa Intercontinental against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for this Wednesday, December 17th, at 2pm (Brasília time), at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar. The red-black team reaches the decision after eliminating Cruz Azul and Pyramids, also conquering Copa Challenger along the way. Coach Filipe Luís has a special member in the squad for the clash against the French.
Luiz Naquela campaign, the Brazilian participated in 28 games, scoring four goals and contributing directly to the title that interrupted Parisian hegemony. The right winger entered the field in the decisive round and also in the Supercopa of the França, won by the Lille over PSG.
The presence of Luiz Araújo provides Flamengo with specific knowledge about the French style of play, including head-to-head matches against the current opponent.
Challenger Cup frames 📸pic.twitter.com/F6p83IOrsQ
—FL4MEN9O (@Flamengo_en)December 14, 2025
Luiz Araújo’s trajectory in European football
Luiz Araújo arrived at Lille in 2017, coming from São Paulo, in a transfer valued at the time at around 10.5 million euros. The striker played 136 games for the French club over four seasons, with 18 goals and eight assists in total. Sua participation was growing, culminating in the 2020/21 season, considered one of the most competitive in the recent Ligue 1 season.
That year, Lille accumulated 83 points, one more than PSG, and secured the title in the last round with a 2-1 victory over Angers. Luiz Araújo entered the second half of that decisive match and celebrated the club’s fourth national championship, the first in ten years.
- Revealed by Mirassol and projected into São Paulo.
- Transfer to Lille also included midfielder Thiago Mendes.
- Additional achievement for Supercopa from França in 2021, with a 1-0 victory over PSG.
- Departure to Atlanta United before returning to Brasil in 2023.
Flamengo campaign at Copa Intercontinental
Flamengo advanced to the final after two convincing victories in the previous stages of the tournament. In the first match, they beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in the so-called Dérbi das Américas. Then, they defeated Pyramids 2-0, with goals from defenders in set pieces, guaranteeing Copa Challenger.
The red-black team maintained tactical control in both games, exploiting aerial balls and high pressure. Substituições and Luiz Araújo’s entry helped keep the momentum going in the final stages of the matches. The squad arrives motivated after a successful season, including Libertadores and Brasileirão titles.
The clash represents an opportunity for Flamengo to seek a second title in intercontinental competitions, adding to the club’s history.
PSG’s current situation in the season
Paris Saint-Germain, led by Luis Enrique, occupies second place in Ligue 1 2025/26 with 36 points after 15 rounds. The team recorded 10 wins, three draws and two defeats, scoring 35 goals and conceding 14. The leader Lens has 37 points, maintaining a tight competition at the top of the table.
PSG’s defeats occurred against Olympique of Marselha and Monaco, both by 1 to 0. The club prioritizes the
The French squad has players experienced in European competitions, after winning the Champions League in the previous season.
Red and black preparation for the decision
Filipe Luís has the complete squad available for the final, including Luiz Araújo as an attacking option. The coach explored tactical variations in previous matches, alternating speed on the wings and aerial strength. Jogadores like Arrascaeta and De La Cruz have led offensive creations in the campaign so far.
The delegation took advantage of the day off in Doha to recover, with activities ranging from rest to outings. The focus is now on analyzing the French opponent, highlighting the internal knowledge brought by Luiz Araújo.
Details of the decisive clash
The final of Copa Intercontinental brings together the champions of Champions League and the winner of the Challenger bracket, representing Europa and other confederations. The Estádio Ahmad bin Ali receives the unique game, with broadcast scheduled for open and paid channels on Brasil.
- Date: December 17, 2025.
- Time: 2pm (from Brasília).
- Location: Al Rayyan, Catar.
- Arbitration: Ainda not officially disclosed.
Flamengo is looking to expand its collection of international trophies, while PSG is aiming for the first intercontinental title in its recent history.
History of clashes between Brazilians and French
Brazilian and French clubs have already faced each other in previous world championships, with varying results. Flamengo has experience in intercontinental finals, including a historic victory in 1981. PSG, in turn, accumulates domestic and European titles, but seeks affirmation in annual global tournaments.
Luiz Araújo represents a direct bridge between the squads, having played against PSG on multiple occasions for Lille. Sua adaptation to French football included intense clashes, contributing to victories that marked the 2020/21 season.
The decision promises technical balance, with an emphasis on individual and collective strategies developed throughout the year.
