Jun 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; CR Flamengo forward Wallace Yan (64) reacts after scoring a goal against LAFC during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Luiz Araujo Shines As Flamengo Open Club World Cup Campaign With 2–0 Victory Over ES Tunis

Flamengo, led by coach Filipe Luis, looked sharp across all areas of the pitch and will take confidence from this display.

Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Goals from Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo sealed a solid performance, setting up a high-profile Group D clash with Chelsea in the next round.

Flamengo came into the contest as heavy favorites and wasted no time in asserting their authority. After dominating possession in the opening phase, the breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Araujo delivered a precise low cross into the box. De Arrascaeta, arriving late, met it first time to fire home and put the Rio side ahead. It was a deserved lead for Flamengo who looked in complete control in the first half.

3 POINTS IN OUR FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP DEBUT ✅ pic.twitter.com/JSeam4G6h3
— Flamengo (@Flamengo_en) June 17, 2025

Belaili’s Miss Proves Costly for Tunis

The Tunisian champions struggled to create clear-cut chances but nearly grabbed an equalizer in the 66th minute when Youcef Belaili raced through on a counter-attack. His effort was parried expertly by Agustin Rossi, who preserved Flamengo’s lead with a great save.

That moment proved pivotal in deciding the outcome of the match. Four minutes later, Luiz Araujo’s goal all but ended the contest. Flamengo doubled their advantage. New signing Jorginho, making his debut following a free transfer from Arsenal, slipped a clever pass into Araujo. The Brazilian then spun in the area with a clever turn and curled an exquisite left-footed strike into the far corner to seal the result for his team.

The attendance in the match was officially recorded at 25,797, far short of the Lincoln Financial Field’s full capacity of over 67,000. However, the atmosphere was electric throughout, particularly from the Flamengo fans who turned up in numbers.

Flamengo, led by coach Filipe Luis, looked sharp across all areas of the pitch and will take confidence from this display into their highly anticipated encounter with Chelsea later this week.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Es Tunis

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Flamengo

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.