Flamengo claim FIFA Derby of the Americas crown in Qatar
Flamengo claim FIFA Derby of the Americas crown in Qatar
- CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions defeat Cruz Azul of Mexico
- A brace from Giorgian de Arrascaeta proved the difference on the night in Al Rayyan
- Filipe Luís’s side now go on to face CAF champions Pyramids in the FIFA Challenger Cup
South American giants Flamengo have added to their recent domestic and continental successes by claiming the FIFA Derby of the Americas title in Doha following a closely contested 2-1 victory against reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul of Mexico.
Hot on the heels of securing their fourth CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores title and, just four days later, the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Filipe Luís’s side found the energy to go again – and overcame the club from Mexico City at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
On a perfect evening for football in Al Rayyan, west of the Qatari capital Doha, Flamengo opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who pounced on an under-hit pass to give his side the lead. They held that advantage until just before the interval, when Jorge Sánchez levelled with a stunning finish. With both teams pushing for the win and the trophy, the decisive moment came in the 71st minute – again through de Arrascaeta. The Uruguay international brushed aside Willer Ditta’s challenge, collected a ricochet off Gonzalo Piovi and slotted the ball past Andrés Gudiño from a tight angle.
In addition to taking the prestigious crown, claimed for the first time last year by Pachuca, Flamengo also earned the right to compete for the FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2025 – where they will meet CAF Champions League winners Pyramids. The Egyptian side booked their place in Doha after claiming the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup with victories against Auckland City of New Zealand and Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in September.
The winners of the FIFA Challenger Cup will then go on to face one final contest – against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain – to lift the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™ presented by Aramco.
Both the FIFA Challenger Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ will also take place at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with kick-off at 20:00 local time on 13 and 17 December, respectively.
Tickets for either game can be purchased via FIFA.com/tickets.