Brazil’s Flamengo continues to ride the crest of a remarkable season. Fresh off domestic and continental glory — winning both the Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores with a statement victory over Palmeiras — the club from Rio carried their momentum to Qatar for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The tournament, created after the expansion of the Club World Cup, brings together the reigning continental champions from each confederation in a format that mirrors the pre-expansion version of the competition. The objective is simple: crown an annual world champion through direct knockout football, where form and sharpness matter as much as pedigree.
Flamengo: Late to the Party, but With Tremendous Momentum
Flamengo’s participation in the Intercontinental Cup was not confirmed until November 29 after the 2025 Libertadores final, but any concerns about preparation quickly proved unfounded. On December 10, they opened their campaign against CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul, representing Mexico’s Liga MX.
The match was evenly contested for long stretches, but Flamengo’s experience and composure in key moments made the difference. Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta struck twice, canceling out a goal from Cruz Azul’s Jorge Sánchez and lifting Flamengo to a 2–1 victory. At 31, De Arrascaeta remains one of the most valuable and influential players in South American football, having been a central figure at Flamengo since 2019.
Cruz Azul showed flashes of quality but ultimately succumbed to nerves and missed opportunities. The unforgiving tournament format meant there was no margin for error — the Mexican side exited immediately, spending more time on a plane than on the pitch, much to the frustration of their traveling supporters.
Flamengo’s Win Over Pyramids Sets Up Match With PSG
Flamengo returned to action on December 13 for their semifinal clash against CAF champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, a relatively new club backed by Saudi ownership. While Pyramids had impressed earlier in the competition with wins over Auckland City and AFC champions Al-Ahli, they struggled to unsettle Flamengo’s veteran core.
The Brazilian side controlled the tempo without ever needing to overextend. Léo Pereira opened the scoring in the first half, and Danilo added an insurance goal in the 52nd minute to secure a professional 2–0 victory. It was not Flamengo at their most dazzling, but it was a mature performance that underlined their depth and tactical discipline.
This Flamengo squad is no stranger to elite opposition. Earlier this year, they defeated Chelsea — the eventual Club World Cup winners — before bowing out in a 4–2 loss to Bayern Munich in the round of 16. Now, they earn another shot at European royalty with a high-profile meeting against Paris Saint-Germain on December 17, a match in which Flamengo will enter with credible belief and competitive odds.
PSG Can’t Take Anything for Granted
PSG have already learned this year that Brazilian champions are not to be underestimated. At the Club World Cup in June, they suffered a surprise defeat to Botafogo, a match that offers a clear tactical blueprint for Flamengo. Although PSG rebounded to reach the final, they ultimately fell short again, losing to Chelsea.
Domestically, PSG remain dominant. They sit atop Ligue 1 with an 11–3–2 record, holding a narrow two-point advantage over second place. In the Champions League, they are 4–1–1, with their lone defeat coming against Bayern Munich in the group stage.
On paper, PSG will be favored. But recent history has made one thing increasingly clear: Brazil’s top clubs can go toe-to-toe with Europe’s best and emerge victorious. Flamengo arrive confident, battle-tested, and unburdened by expectations — a combination that makes this Intercontinental Cup final far more than a formality.
If momentum counts for anything, PSG will be facing a side that believes this season still has another trophy left to win.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright xEibner-Pressefoto/ScottxColemanx EP_SCN
