Flamengo Seals Inter-American Derby, Sparks Fiery Date with Pyramids

Flamengo edges Cruz Azul in the Intercontinental Cup showdown

Flamengo, the Libertadores champions, sealed a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the FIFA Club World Cup / Intercontinental Cup.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta delivered a brace in the 15th and 71st minutes, while Cruz Azul’s Jorge Sánchez pulled one back just before the break in the 44th.

In the second half, Flamengo’s defense held firm as Augustín Rossi denied dangerous efforts from Gabriel Fernández and Luis Araújo, preserving the lead until De Arrascaeta’s late strike in the 72nd minute after a defensive error inside the box.

Flamengo now advances to the semi-finals to face Egyptian side Pyramids FC, with the winner advancing to a final against Paris Saint‑Germain on December 17, 2025 — the competition’s first-ever cross-confederation final pairing.

PUNCHLINE: If football were a sniper, De Arrascaeta would have the net in his crosshairs every time. And yes, he’s the guy who just turned Doha into a highlight reel.

Another punchline: Flamengo turned defense into a thrill ride; the nets are officially taxed by their shooting spree in the desert.