Flamengo Edge Cruz Azul, Face Pyramids in Semis

Late Arrascaeta strike secures Flamengo's win Over Cruz Azul

Giorgian de Arrascaeta's double helps Flamengo beat Cruz Azul 2-1, securing their spot in the Intercontinental Cup semi-finals.

The second half was a intense battle, with both teams creating chances and fighting for control...

Giorgian de Arrascaeta's double helped Flamengo edge Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-1, securing their spot in the Intercontinental Cup semi-finals. Flamengo will now face Egyptian club Pyramids, vying for a chance to compete against Champions League holders Paris St Germain in next week's final.

In a match played at Qatar's Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, which was nearly empty, Flamengo capitalized on Cruz Azul's defensive mistakes to claim victory. The Copa Libertadores champions took advantage of these errors, ultimately securing their win.

Arrascaeta scored the opening goal in the 15th minute after a defensive lapse from Cruz Azul's Gonzalo Piovi, who mistakenly passed the ball to him inside his own penalty area. The Uruguayan took advantage, beating the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the empty net with ease.

Cruz Azul pushed back, controlling the game as they chased an equalizer. They thought they'd leveled things up in the 42nd minute when Gabriel Fernandez found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.

The Mexican side finally got their breakthrough in the 44th minute, thanks to Jorge Sanchez's incredible volley from the edge of the area. Flamengo's Jorge Carrascal had failed to clear the ball, and Sanchez capitalized on the mistake, scoring a stunning goal.

An intercontinental W 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wnyVQ8VVCw

— FL4MEN9O (@Flamengo_en) December 10, 2025

The second half was a intense battle, with both teams creating chances and fighting for control. However, it was Flamengo who struck gold in the 71st minute. Arrascaeta made a powerful run down the left wing and delivered a low ball into the area, which was only partially cleared.

The Uruguayan quickly pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a sublime chip that sailed over the diving keeper. Despite Piovi's desperate attempt to clear the ball, goal-line technology confirmed that it had crossed the line, securing Flamengo's lead.

Flamengo hung on to their lead, despite Cruz Azul's late surge, thanks to crucial saves from Agustin Rossi, who denied the Mexican side further chances.

The Brazilian champions are set to face Pyramids in the semi-finals on Saturday, with a spot in the final against Paris St Germin up for grabs.