Three days after they eased past Cruz Azul to win the FIFA Derby of the Americas, Flamengo have collected more silverware as they defeated Pyramids 2-0 to win the FIFA Challenger Cup at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Victory has also secured the Rio giants a ticket to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Those who were wondering what Giorgian de Arrascaeta would have for an encore after he scored both goals in Flamengo’s win over Cruz Azul three days ago didn’t have to wait long. Midway through the opening term, the playmaking prince delivered a perfectly-weighted free-kick that was met by the head of Leo Pereira to power the Rio giants into the lead.
With the rare sight of rain tumbling down in Qatar, Pyramids had a huge chance to restore parity in stoppage time as Fiston Mayele found himself one-on-one with Agustin Rossi, only for the Argentinian shot-stopper to thwart him from close range.
Seven minutes after the restart it was De Arrascaeta who also laid on the second with another delightful free-kick. This time, as he did to win the Copa Libertadores last month, it was Danilo on the end of it with a decisive header in a big moment in a big match.
Mayele then spurned another late chance as Filipe Luis’ side hung on to the 2-0 win that secures a heavyweight showdown against Paris Saint-Germain in next Wednesday's FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Flamengo coach Filipe Luis praised his team's performance and looked ahead to the final against PSG. “The start of the game was good, then we knew how to suffer when needed and achieved a deserved result. All opponents are different. But of course, PSG is the best team in the world. They showed that by winning the Champions League. They're in the tournament because they're the best, and with all humility in the world, we're going to try to win to make history," Luis said.
Flamengo defender Guillermo Varela added: "We didn't have much information about Pyramids, but they are a physically strong team. We controlled the game very well and decided it on set pieces."
