Flamengo open Club World Club with 2-0 win over Esperance

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th June, 23:06 2025

Jun 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; CR Flamengo midfielder Gerson (8) and Esperance Sportive De Tunisie defender Mohamed Amine Tougai (15) battle for control of the ball during the second half in a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo scored and Jorginho had an assist in his Flamengo debut in the 2-0 win over Esperance Sportive de Tunis in their Group D opener of the Club World Cup in Philadelphia on Monday.

de Arrascaeta put the Brazilian club up 1-0 in the 17th minute and Araujo extended the lead with Jorginho's help in the 70th.

Agustín Rossi made two second-half saves for Flamengo.

Jorginho got the start after the former English Premier League midfielder was signed on June 6 from Arsenal after he and the team agreed to end his contract.

On Friday, Flamengo play Chelsea in Philadelphia while Esperance face Los Angeles FC in Nashville. Chelsea defeated LAFC 2-0 on Monday.

de Arrascaeta continued the form that has made him one of the best playmakers in Brazil's domestic league where he has 13 goal contributions in nine matches. He has been nothing, if not precise, in his marksmanship with nine goals on 10 shots on target.

Therefore, he was the right person in the right spot for the layoff from Araújo and the Uruguayan first touched the service from 15 yards for the 1-0 lead.

The enthusiastic Flamengo supporters were still celebrating the goal when it nearly became 2-0 a minute later but Gerson's shot was deftly saved by Ben Said.

Flamengo's high pressing was too much for Esperance to get its attack going in the first half. Its lone shot attempt was blocked in the 25th minute.

--Field Level Media

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