- Flamengo beat Esperance 2:0 in Group D of the Club World Cup
- Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo scored for the Brazilians
- Esperance failed to register a single shot on target in the first half
Key Takeaways:
Flamengo started with an expected victory in Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup, beating Tunisian side Esperance 2:0. The South American team controlled events at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and deservedly claimed all three points with goals from Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo.
The match began with Flamengo dominating, creating danger in the 15th minute through Leo Ortiz, who headed just wide after a corner. Two minutes later, the opening goal came – De Arrascaeta punished the opponent’s hesitant defence with a precise finish.
Giorgian do @Flamengo 🔴⚫#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/liKc8MYxMx
— Mundial de Clubes da FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_pt) June 17, 2025
Until the break, the Brazilians dominated possession but failed to produce more clear chances. In the 44th minute, De Arrascaeta received a good opportunity after a deflection, but his shot was blocked. Esperance failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and mostly played in their own half.
After the break, the Tunisian side showed a more offensive approach. In the 48th minute, Ali Ben Hamida struck from distance, but goalkeeper Augustin Rossi was well positioned. Soon after, Pedro forced Bechir Ben Said into a decisive save, and on the next attack, De Arrascaeta shot wide.
In the 63rd and 67th minutes, Youcef Belaili twice threatened Flamengo’s goal – first with a long-range strike, then after a solo run and low shot, which was denied by a great save from Rossi.
Just when Esperance showed signs of life, Flamengo landed their second blow. In the 70th minute, Joao Gomes set up Luiz Araujo, who finished with great precision to make it 2:0.
The final whistle brought a deserved win for Flamengo, who began the tournament with three points and now share the group lead with Chelsea. Esperance, meanwhile, remain without a point and will seek a response in their next match against LAFC, who are also on zero.