Rivaldo backs Flamengo star to clinch progress v Cruz Azul | OneFootball

Flamengo begins the Intercontinental title race this Wednesday (09); Rivaldo selected Arrascaeta as a key player for the team

World champion with the Brazilian National Team, Rivaldo analyzed Flamengo's participation in the Intercontinental Club Championship, a competition among the best teams of the season. The tournament starts this Wednesday (10) for the Rio de Janeiro club, against Cruz Azul from Mexico.

The star highlighted the strength of the Rubro-Negro squad and the form of its main players like De Arrascaeta, who was chosen as the best player of the Brasileirão 2025, and the challenges for Filipe Luís in a possible final against PSG. In Rivaldo's opinion, Flamengo arrives with one of the best players on the continent and the standout name in Brazilian football in recent seasons.

WHAT DID RIVALDO SAY?

— It was fair for him to win as the star of the championship because he makes the difference in difficult moments and, with that, helped Flamengo a lot during the Brasileirão, deserving the award. He has everything to have a great Intercontinental with Fla and be the best player in the competition. Arrascaeta has been playing well for years, above average, whether at Flamengo or with the Uruguayan National Team, it makes a difference to have such a player at this level for the team to be a winning team — analyzed the five-time champion to Betfair.

AND FLAMENGO'S GAME AGAINST CRUZ AZUL?

Regarding the debut against Cruz Azul, currently third in the Mexican championship, Rivaldo calls for attention and emphasizes that the duel is not won. The five-time champion urged maximum alertness to the players under coach Filipe Luís.

— Flamengo goes in confident, with two important titles, players eager to win another title this season. If they play as they have been, they have everything to overcome the Mexican team with ease. But they need to stay focused, as we have seen surprises with Flamengo, Palmeiras, and others in this competition, which requires consistency from the first game and against any opponent. If they focus, they have everything to win — pointed out Rivaldo.

DOES FLAMENGO HAVE A CHANCE IN A POSSIBLE WORLD FINAL?

Speaking of a potential qualification for the semifinals and a possible final against PSG, Rivaldo believes the scenario is open for the Rio club in the Intercontinental, recalling the Club World Cup where smaller teams defeated favorites.

— They are ready to play a final against PSG. And they can play on equal terms, the Club World Cup showed that. They might even have an advantage because, from what I've heard, PSG might rest some players. If they do, it improves Flamengo's chances even more. Even against PSG's starters, the Rio club can compete and win with quality. If reserves come, that would help even more — concluded Rivaldo.

In summary, according to the betting house analysis, Flamengo has a 74% chance of defeating the Mexican team and advancing (odds of 1.25). The forward Juninho is the top favorite to score a goal in the match with a 42% chance (odds of 2.4). The Rio club's chances of winning the FIFA Intercontinental are 21%, only behind PSG, the favorite for the title with 69%.

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