Brazilian giants Flamengo began their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Tunisian champions, Espérance de Tunis 2-0 in their Group D opener on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
Goals in each half from Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Luís Araújo ensured a comfortable start for the Copa Libertadores holders, who now sit atop the group alongside Chelsea, who also won their opening match.
Flamengo dominated possession from the onset and made their early pressure count in the 16th minute. Right-back Wesley whipped in a deep cross which De Arrascaeta expertly diverted past Espérance goalkeeper Béchir Ben Saïd to give the Brazilians a deserved lead.
The South American champions continued to threaten throughout the first half, forcing multiple saves from Ben Saïd to deny Gabriel Barbosa and Pedro. Espérance, meanwhile, struggled to break out of their half, with lone striker Youssef Belaïli registering the only notable attempt—a long-range effort that missed the target.
Coach Maher Kanzari made two changes at halftime, bringing on midfielders Abderrahmane Konaté and Elias Mokwena, which briefly revitalised the Tunisian side. Konaté fired over shortly after the restart, and Belaïli drew a sharp save from Flamengo’s goalkeeper Agustín Rossi.
However, Flamengo’s control remained firm, and they doubled their lead in the 70th minute. Everton Cebolinha’s driving run down the left set up Araújo, who cut inside and drilled a powerful low shot past Ben Saïd to seal the result.
The win gives Flamengo three points and a strong start in a tough group that also includes Chelsea and Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles FC (LAFC). Espérance, who are making a return to the global stage, must now get a positive result in their next fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Both sides will be in action again on Friday, June 20. Flamengo face Chelsea in a top-of-the-table clash in Philadelphia, while Espérance take on LAFC at GEODIS Park in Nashville.
