Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s double helped Flamengo beat Mexico’s Cruz Azul 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Cup, where it will meet Egyptian club Pyramids next week for a chance in the final against Champions League holders Paris St Germain.
In a match played in a near-empty Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar, the Copa Libertadores champions took advantage of a series of defensive errors from Cruz Azul to secure victory.
Arrascaeta opened the scoring in the 15th minute after Cruz Azul defender Gonzalo Piovi gifted him the ball with a misplaced pass in his own penalty area. Unnoticed, the Uruguayan dribbled effortlessly past the goalkeeper before firing the ball into an empty net.
Cruz Azul responded by dominating possession in pursuit of an equalizer and thought the match was level in the 42nd minute when Gabriel Fernandez found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
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Two minutes later, Jorge Sanchez made the breakthrough for the Mexicans with a stunning volley from the edge of the area after Flamengo’s Jorge Carrascal failed to clear his lines.
In the second half, both teams created chances and battled for control, but it was Flamengo who found the winner in the 71st minute.
Arrascaeta charged down the left wing and delivered a low ball into the area which was only partially cleared. The Uruguayan latched onto it and threw a sublime chip over the diving keeper.
Despite Piovi’s desperate attempt to clear, goal-line technology confirmed the ball had crossed, giving Flamengo the lead.
Flamengo maintained their lead despite Cruz Azul’s spirited late strike, with Agustin Rossi making key saves to deny further chances.
The Brazilian team is now preparing for Saturday’s semi-final against Pyramids, aiming to secure a place in a showdown with Paris St Germain in the final of the tournament.
Published on December 11, 2025
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