A few days before its entry into contention in the Intercontinental Cup, PSG now knows precisely the scenario which is emerging in Qatar. Crowned European champion, the Parisian club will compete in the final of this competition relaunched by FIFA, and the possible identity of its future opponent became clear this week at Al-Rayyan.
Flamengo, recent winner of the Copa Libertadores against Palmeiras, won in the play-off against Mexican Cruz Azul (2-1). The Brazilian club was able to count on a double from its playing master, Giorgian de Arrascaeta: first opportunistic on a catastrophic recovery from Piovi, then inspired with a subtle lob which offered qualification. Meanwhile, Sanchez equalized with a superb strike for Concacaf Champions Cup champions Cruz Azul.
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Flamengo or Pyramids for PSG
This victory allows Flamengo to join Pyramids FC, the Egyptian African champion, for a semi-final scheduled for Saturday at the Al-Rayyan stadium. The winner will face PSG in the final next Wednesday (6 p.m.), a match broadcast on beIN Sports and M6.
This clarification is a crucial element for the Parisian club, which can now anticipate a duel against an opponent with an assertive style. Flamengo, coached by Filipe Luis, relies on a squad rich in international experience with Alex Sandro, Saul Niguez, Samuel Lino and the former Lille player Luiz Araujo. For its part, Pyramids represents the new African power to follow.
For Paris, this deadline in Qatar comes on a particularly tight schedule. After its European trip to Bilbao and a final Ligue 1 match in Metz, Luis Enrique’s team will make an express return trip to the Middle East in an attempt to win a new world title before continuing with the Coupe de France.
To summarize
PSG finally knows the table for the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar: Flamengo beat Cruz Azul and will face Pyramids for a place in the final against Paris next Wednesday. The Parisian club, caught in a tight schedule, is preparing an express return trip to try to win a new world title.
