Flamengo edge Cruz Azul 2-1 as De Arrascaeta shines in FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025: Highlights and goals

Flamengo defeated Cruz Azul 2-1 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, with De Arrascaeta scoring both goals to secure the victory.

You experienced every moment of this intense Derby of the Americas here on Bolavip.

Thanks for following along, and stay tuned for coverage of the next round!

The match heated up in the closing moments after a strong challenge by Alex Sandro on Luka Romero. A brief confrontation ensued, leading to yellow cards for Everton, Piovi, and Nicolas de la Cruz as tensions boiled over in the final minutes.

The final whistle blows at Al Rayyan Stadium. Flamengo hold on to their lead thanks to De Arrascaeta’s double, overcoming Cruz Azul in a thrilling Derby of the Americas at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025. The Brazilian side advance, while Cruz Azul fall just short despite a valiant effort.

Five minutes have been added at the end of the match, and Flamengo come close to extending their lead. Gonzalo Plata produces a brilliant run and creates a dangerous opportunity, but Cruz Azul’s defense manages to keep the ball out of the net.

Cruz Azul make two changes: Carlos Rotondi and Jorge Sanchez are replaced by Mateuz Bogusz and Angel Sepulveda. Flamengo respond with a swap in midfield, taking off Erick Pulgar for Saul Iñiguez to reinforce control and maintain their edge in the closing stages.

Flamengo come close to adding a third. Luiz Araujo creates a dangerous chance with a brilliant individual run, but Gudino makes a strong save, resulting in a corner. From the set piece, Leo Ortiz connects with a header assisted by Araujo, only for Carlos Sanchez to clear it off the line and keep Cruz Azul in the game.

Several developments in the match: Jorginho is shown a yellow card for a foul on Luka Romero. Both teams make changes — for Cruz Azul, Angel Marquez and Ignacio Romero come off, replaced by Lorenzo Faravelli and Omar Campos. Flamengo respond by taking off De Arrascaeta and Jorginho, bringing on Luiz Araujo and Nicolas de la Cruz to refresh their attack.

Cruz Azul try to control possession to find the equalizer, but Flamengo’s high press, led by their quick front line, keeps closing down passing lanes and limits any clear opportunities for the home side.

Flamengo regain the lead. Giorgian De Arrascaeta latches onto a through ball and first tries to square it for Bruno Henrique, but the defense only manages a weak clearance. The rebound falls right back to De Arrascaeta, who fires again, and the ball barely crosses the line. Rotondi’s last-ditch attempt to clear comes too late. Flamengo go up 2-1.

Flamengo send a warning shot. Gonzalo Plata controls the ball on the right flank, cuts inside on his left and curls a placed effort that flies just over the crossbar. A clear reminder that Flamengo are growing into this half.

Flamengo adjust once again in the second half: Andres Carrascal makes way, and Everton comes on to refresh the attack.

The rhythm of the match remains the same, with both sides committing small, tactical fouls to break up play. Flamengo continue to dominate the ball by a wide margin, circulating with patience and precision, but they still struggle to turn that control into real danger in the final third.

The match is back underway, and a Cruz Azul throw-in quickly turned into a costly giveaway. Flamengo jumped on the loose ball and triggered a counterattack that ultimately fizzled out, but the Brazilians kept control and continued to dictate possession.

Play is temporarily halted as the refereeing team deals with technical problems. Both teams head to their benches for quick instructions while the stadium waits for the situation to be resolved.

After the early surge from Cruz Azul, Flamengo have settled into their game and now dominate the ball. They circulate with patience, searching for gaps to create danger, though they still lack clear penetration in the final third.

Cruz Azul come out with intensity to start the second half, generating two quick corner kicks. The second was forced by Gonzalo Plata, but the chance slipped away as a foul on Leo Pereira inside the box ended the threat.

Flamengo make their first adjustment of the second half, with Samuel Lino coming off and Gonzalo Plata stepping in to add fresh legs and more creativity on the right side.

The teams return from the break and the ball is rolling once again at Al Rayyan Stadium. Cruz Azul and Flamengo look to seize control early in this crucial period as the battle for a place in the next round continues.

A lively first half comes to an end with the match level. Flamengo capitalized on an early mistake to take the lead through Giorgian De Arrascaeta, but Cruz Azul responded in style thanks to a stunning volley from Jorge Sanchez. Everything still to play for in this Derby of the Americas.

What a strike! After a battle for the ball near the corner, a loose rebound pops up toward Carlos Rodriguez, who manages to keep the play alive. The ball then loops into the path of Jorge Sanchez, and the defender connects with a brilliant volleylike finish to blast it into the net. A spectacular goal brings Cruz Azul right back into the match!

Cruz Azul briefly celebrate an equalizer, but the flag goes up immediately. Carlos Rodriguez threads a through ball toward Carlos Rotondi, who had timed his run a step too early and is caught offside. The score remains 0-1.

Even after Piovi’s costly mistake trying to play out from the back, Cruz Azul continue attempting short build-ups from their own box. Flamengo’s relentless high press makes it difficult, as the Brazilians hunt for another turnover that could lead to a second goal.

Willer Ditta becomes the first player cautioned tonight after pulling Bruno Henrique from behind to stop the attack. The Flamengo forward adds a bit of theatrical flair, and the referee has no hesitation in reaching for the card.

Jorginho commits a strong challenge on Jose Paradela deep in Flamengo territory, giving Cruz Azul another set-piece chance. They try a rehearsed play, but once again the execution falls short and Flamengo clear without trouble.

Flamengo earn the first corner of the night after Erik Lira deflects the ball out of play. But the Brazilian side fail to make the most of it, as the delivery is easily cleared by the Cruz Azul defense.

Gonzalo Piovi brings down Jorge Carrascal in midfield and looks visibly frustrated after the whistle. Cruz Azul need him fully focused — any lapse could lead to further trouble against a confident Flamengo side.

Cruz Azul push forward looking for the equalizer. Carlos Rotondi fires another left-footed attempt, this time from outside the box, narrowly missing the post after being set up by Carlos Rodriguez.

A costly mistake at the back from Cruz Azul gifts Flamengo the opener. Gonzalo Piovi misplays a pass inside his own box, sending the ball straight to Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who calmly finishes to give the Brazilian side the early lead.

Carlos Rotondi gets a left-footed shot off from the left side of the box after Cruz Azul build the play patiently from their own half, but his effort lacks precision and misses the target.

Carlos Rotondi is brought down by Erick Pulgar in attacking territory, giving Cruz Azul a promising free-kick opportunity. However, the set piece is poorly delivered and Flamengo clear the danger without trouble.

Both teams take their time in the opening minutes, studying each other without taking major risks. Cruz Azul hold slightly more possession, but Flamengo apply strong pressure high up the field to limit any build-up.

The ball is rolling at Al Rayyan Stadium as Cruz Azul and Flamengo begin their battle in the Derby of the Americas at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025.

Both teams have stepped onto the pitch as the atmosphere builds inside Al Rayyan Stadium. Cruz Azul and Flamengo line up for the national anthems with the kickoff moments away.

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, popularly known as Al Rayyan Stadium, hosts this Intercontinental Cup matchup. Located in the district of Rawdat Al Jahhaniya in Qatar, about nine kilometers northwest of the center of Al Rayyan, it is primarily used for soccer and is home to Al Rayyan Sports Club. The venue has a capacity of 45,032.

Cruz Azul have confirmed their starting XI for the matchup against Flamengo:
Andres Gudino; Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Carlos Sanchez; Angel Marquez, Carlos Rodriguez, Carlos Rotondi, Jose Paradela, Nacho Rivero; Gabriel Fernandez, Gonzalo Piovi

Here's Flamengo's confirmed lineup for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup match against Cruz Azul!

• Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
• Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi (SWE)
• Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Soderkvist (SWE)
• Fourth Official: Espen Eskas (NOR)
• Reserve AR: Jan Engan (NOR)
• VAR: Fedayi San (SUI)
• AVAR: Jarred Gillett (ENG)

Cruz Azul vs Flamengo will get underway at 12:00 PM ET (PT: 9:00 AM)

Watch this Derby of the Americas match between Cruz Azul and Flamengo live in the USA on Fubo, Fanatiz, and beIN SPORTS.

Welcome to our live blog of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup matchup!

Cruz Azul face Flamengo today with international prestige at stake and a path toward the final on the line. Flamengo arrive as recent champions of both the Copa Libertadores and Serie A, while Cruz Azul look to make a strong statement as the reigning Concacaf champions.

Stay with us for key information, fun facts, and minute-by-minute updates as Cruz Azul and Flamengo battle for a place in the next stage of the tournament!