Flamengo Soar Into Final With Commanding Victory Over Pyramids
Key Takeaways
- Flamengo secured a commanding 2-0 victory to advance to the final
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta orchestrated both goals with pinpoint set-piece deliveries
- Danilo's second-half header sealed the triumph in dramatic fashion
- Pyramids fought valiantly but couldn't break down Flamengo's resolute defense
Danilo rose majestically in the 52nd minute, his towering header crashing into the bottom right corner to seal Flamengo's destiny. The Brazilian defender's decisive strike, perfectly guided by Giorgian de Arrascaeta's whipped set-piece, sent the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium into raptures and secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semifinal.
The foundation for this triumph had been laid in the 24th minute when Léo Pereira demonstrated predatory instincts, powering home a header from close range after Arrascaeta's cross following another set-piece situation. The Uruguayan maestro's delivery found Pereira unmarked, and the defender made no mistake, directing his effort into the top left corner past the helpless Ahmed El Shenawy.
Flamengo controlled the tactical battle through their midfield dominance, with Jorginho and Erick Pulgar dictating tempo while Arrascaeta pulled the strings in advanced positions. Pyramids' attacking trio of Fiston Mayele, Mostafa Zico, and Mahmoud Zalaka worked tirelessly to penetrate Flamengo's organized defensive structure, but found Agustín Rossi in inspired form between the posts.
The statistics reflected Flamengo's superiority, as they commanded 55.9% possession while registering five shots on target compared to Pyramids' two. The Brazilian giants' clinical efficiency from set-pieces proved the difference, converting two of their eleven corners while Pyramids struggled to capitalize on their ten attempts from dead-ball situations.
The turning point arrived seven minutes into the second half when Danilo's emphatic header extinguished any hopes of a Pyramids comeback. Mahmoud Marei's yellow card for a cynical foul on Jorge Carrascal had gifted Flamengo the set-piece opportunity, and Arrascaeta's precision delivery found its target with devastating effect.
Pyramids refused to surrender, with Mayele forcing a crucial save from Rossi in the 72nd minute after combining brilliantly with Zico. Ahmed Atef came agonizingly close with an 89th-minute header that whistled past the post, but Flamengo's defensive resolve held firm through a nervy final ten minutes.
The Egyptian side's frustration boiled over as Ahmed Atef and Mahmoud Zalaka both received yellow cards for reckless challenges, while Flamengo managed the game expertly through strategic substitutions. Bruno Henrique and Pedro's introductions added fresh legs and maintained their attacking threat until the final whistle.
Flamengo now advance to the Intercontinental Cup final, where they'll face PSG on December 17th.