Cruz Azul vs Flamengo prediction, H2H and probable lineups — December 10, 2025
Cruz Azul
Flamengo
As part of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup quarterfinals, Cruz Azul will face Flamengo. The clash will take place in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, December 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:00 Central European Time. I am offering a bet on the winner of this game.
Match preview
Cruz Azul heads into the Intercontinental Cup in strong form, showcasing confident performances in the 2025/26 Liga MX season. The team has had a solid campaign, demonstrating consistency both at home and away.
Particular emphasis is placed on ball control and quick combination play, which allows the team to create numerous scoring opportunities. The attacking line looks extremely potent. Cruz Azul makes excellent use of set pieces and counterattacks, making the team versatile and a tough challenge for any defense.
They sometimes encounter difficulties against fast, counterattacking teams. Nevertheless, Cruz Azul knows how to adapt to different playing styles and minimize risks at crucial moments.
In major tournaments, Cruz Azul displays the ability to handle pressure and maintain focus, which could prove decisive in the upcoming match. It is worth noting that over the weekend, the Mexican side was eliminated from the Apertura playoffs, losing on aggregate to Tigres.
Brazilian side Flamengo are in sensational form in the 2025/26 season, showing great scoring prowess both in Serie A and the Copa Libertadores. The team blends ball control with quick transitions from defense to attack, while their high tempo and creativity in the final third make Flamengo a dangerous opponent for any club.
The Brazilians’ attacking potential is massive. The team actively uses the flanks, creates numerical superiority in the box, and knows how to capitalize on their chances efficiently. Special attention is paid to set-piece execution, and their key players are capable of deciding matches with moments of individual brilliance.
On the international stage, Flamengo play with a fighting spirit and a desire to prove their class. They’ve done it superbly, having just recently won the Copa Libertadores for the third time in the last seven years.
Straight after that, Filipe Luís’s men clinched their first Brazilian Serie A title since 2020. So the team heads into the Intercontinental Cup match in high spirits. It’s also worth mentioning that the winner of this match will face Egypt’s Pyramids in the semifinals.
Match facts
- The Mexicans are unbeaten in their last four matches.
- Flamengo have lost just one of their last 11 games.
- Cruz Azul average 1.4 goals per game, while Flamengo average 1.8 goals per game.
Probable lineups
- Cruz Azul: Portillo, Lira, Ditta, Piovi, Marquez, Campos, Rotondi, Faravelli, Fernandez, Rivero, Sanchez.
- Flamengo: Rossi, Varela, Danilo, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Pulgar, Jorginho, Lino, Carrascal, De Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique.
H2H
The teams have never faced each other before.
Prediction
Flamengo are rightfully considered the main contender for a spot in the final, where they are expected to challenge PSG. Against Cruz Azul, the Brazilian side will be the clear favorite, coming into the match in top form with a stronger squad than their opponents. My pick is a straightforward win for the Brazilian club.
