Flamengo achieved a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul, from México, at Derby at Américas, held on December 10 at Estádio Ahmad bin
Giorgian from Arrascaeta scored both goals for the Rio team, led by Filipe Luís.
With the result, Rubro-Negro advanced to Copa Challenger, the semi-final stage of the competition organized by FIFA.
The next opponent will be Pyramids, from Egito, in a match scheduled for this Saturday, December 13th, at 2pm (Brasília time), at the same stadium.
- The winner of the match guarantees a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain, current European champion.
- The decision takes place on December 17th, also at 2pm (on Brasília).
- The tournament brings together continental champions in a knockout format.
Flamengo’s trajectory in the competition
Flamengo entered directly into the Derby phase of Américas as champion of Copa Libertadores 2025.
The team demonstrated superiority in the second half against Cruz Azul.
Arrascaeta opened the scoring 15 minutes into the first half, taking advantage of a defensive error.
The Mexican equalizer came in the 43rd minute, with Jorge Sánchez.
In the second half, Arrascaeta defined the victory in the 26th minute.
The Rio team maintained control even under final pressure from the opponent.
Pyramids profile
Pyramids won Liga from Campeões from África in the 2024-25 season.
Founded in 2008, the Egyptian club underwent investments that accelerated its rise.
The team eliminated Auckland City, from Nova Zelândia, 3-0 in September.
Afterwards, they beat Al-Ahli, from Arábia Saudita, 3-1.
Fiston Mayele stood out with important goals in these matches.
Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić leads the team, which is competing in world tournaments for the first time.
The squad features experienced players from the Egyptian national team and foreign reinforcements.
Clash details
The match takes place at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, with capacity for 40 thousand fans.
The venue hosted games from Copa to Mundo in 2022 and maintains ideal conditions.
In the event of a draw in normal time, there will be extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
Match broadcast
The semi-final will have live coverage on open and closed channels.
Globo broadcasts on open TV.
SporTV takes the game on pay TV.
Streaming platforms such as CazéTV, ge.tv and FIFA+ also show the duel.
Flamengo seeks to maintain its winning streak this season.
The Pyramids represents the emerging force of African football.
Format of Copa Intercontinental
The competition replaces the old annual model of Mundial by Clubes.
It brings together champions from six confederations in knockout stages.
PSG, UEFA Champions League champions, wait directly in the final.
The tournament distributes partial trophies, such as the Copa Challenger one for the winner of the semi-final.
The 2025 edition takes place entirely at Catar in the decisive phase.
Participating teams demonstrate a high technical level in continental clashes.
Team preparation
Flamengo arrived at Catar in advance for acclimatization.
Training focused on recovery after the game against Cruz Azul.
The Pyramids preserved holders in a recent domestic commitment.
The Egyptian team maintains a good performance in the national league.
Key players like Mayele and Arrascaeta can define the outcome.
The confrontation promises a balance between South American and African styles.
