It’s a clash of Mexican titans and Brazilian royalty as Cruz Azul and CR Flamengo get set to fight out the FIFA Derby of the Americas in Qatar.
Cruz Azul are the reigning Concacaf Champions Cup holders while Flamengo confirmed their participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ late last month, as they downed fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores.
The winner of the one-off clash will advance to face Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the FIFA Challenger Cup three days later, with the victorious side there then set to meet Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup Final on 17 December.
Cruz Azul v CR Flamengo
Kick-off times
20:00 in Al Rayyan
11:00 in Mexico City
14:00 in Rio de Janeiro
Cruz Azul last five matches: W1 D3 L1
Flamengo last five matches: W3 D2 L0
The match
Cruz Azul travelled to Qatar off the back of a semi-final defeat against Tigres in the Liga MX play-offs, in a match where they lost Mexican national team defender Jesus Orozco Chiquete to injury. That blow coming on top of the ongoing absence of goalkeeper Kevin Mier and Andres Montano.
It’s a far more positive outlook for a Flamengo side that are brimming with confidence, having won both the Copa Libertadores and Serie A titles within the last fortnight. Filipe Luis’ squad is headlined by FIFA Club World Cup™ stars Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Leo Pereira and Alex Sandro, along with winger Samuel Lino and Colombian forward Jorge Carrascal.
Players to watch
Born and raised in Mexico City, 25-year-old international Erik Lira has been the heartbeat of the Cruz Azul side since his 2022 arrival from Pumas. Naturally a defensive midfielder who sits as one of the pivots in coach Nicolas Larcamon’s 3-4-2-1, of late he has been deployed just as effectively as one of the three central defenders. Offering composure on the ball, a fine tactical reading of the game and precise passing he will be a key presence for the Mexican side whether in defence or midfield.
Flamengo’s chief creative threat is Uruguayan pass-threading prince Giorgian de Arrascaeta. Wearing the No10 shirt and very much playing that role in Filipe Luis’ 4-2-3-1, the 31-year-old has had another fantastic season. With 18 goals and 14 assists in the recently concluded league campaign, his threat is evident and stopping the decisive playmaker will be one of the main tasks for Cruz Azul if they are to advance to the Challenger Cup.
Suspended players
None
Key stats
What they said….
“It’s going to be a very tough match. I believe that we also have the ability to compete and be a difficult opponent. We hope to show that on the pitch”.
Carlos Rodriguez, Cruz Azul midfielder
“We have good energy inside the dressing room. So we really believe that we can beat Cruz Azul, then Pyramids in the semi-finals, and make it to the final against Paris Saint-Germain, who are the best team in the world right now.”
Filipe Luis, Flamengo head coach
