📹 Flamengo hit the woodwork, draw group stage with Los Angeles

In Orlando, Flamengo drew 1-1 with Los Angeles FC this Tuesday (24), in the final match of the first phase of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Already qualified and with first place secured, coach Filipe Luís fielded a "mixed" team, giving most of the regular starters a rest.

In this scenario, Flamengo did not display the "steamroller"—high-intensity football—they showed in their first two matches, against Espérance (2-0) and Chelsea (3-1).

Even so, in the first half, Flamengo hit the American team's post three times.

Early in the match, after a tight free kick, Danilo appeared at the far post and hit the post. On the rebound, Luiz Araújo struck hard, but the ball went too high.

Los Angeles responded with Delgado, who tried his luck from outside the box and hit Rossi's post.

In a very similar play, Arrascaeta tried a stylish shot, but the ball also hit the French goalkeeper's post.

Then, after a cross into the box, goalkeeper Lloris was injured in a collision and stayed down. The play continued, the ball remained "alive," and Pedro picked up the rebound to hit the crossbar.

Near the end of the first half, Marlon—a former Fluminense defender—found the net with a header, but the play was ruled out for offside.

After the break, the pace slowed, and Flamengo had more difficulty creating good chances.

Even so, Arrascaeta unleashed a rocket from the edge of the box and hit the crossbar once again.

In the final minutes, after a quick free kick, Bouanga got behind the Flamengo defense and slotted the ball past Rossi to open the scoring.

But Flamengo didn't let it get to them and responded quickly, with an assist from Jorginho for a great goal by Wallace Yan, who dribbled past two defenders to enter the box before finishing.

With this result, Flamengo finishes the first phase as leaders of Group D with seven points.

The group's second qualifier for the round of 16 is Chelsea, with six points, after defeating Espérance 3-0.

Thus, next Saturday (28), the English club faces Benfica at 5 p.m. (Brasília time) in Charlotte.

Flamengo, meanwhile, will try to reach the quarterfinals by facing Bayern Munich on Sunday (29), at the same time, but in Miami.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors