Ex-Botafogo boss on early exit, says Flamengo had the edge

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·9 de diciembre de 2025

Ex-Botafogo boss on early exit, says Flamengo had the edge

Botafogo was eliminated in the 2024 Intercontinental Club Cup at the quarterfinals

Flamengo continues its preparation to debut in the Intercontinental this Wednesday (10), against Cruz Azul (MEX). The Rubro-Negro will be the second Brazilian team to compete in the new format, as Botafogo participated in the tournament in 2024.

Former Botafogo coach, Artur Jorge, recalled the 'early' elimination and highlighted Flamengo's advantage. According to the coach, Flamengo arrives better prepared as they managed to rest in the last round of the Brasileirão.

OneFootball Videos

I think the difference is that we can grasp what is our reality. And our reality is context. The context was this regarding the number of games, not how we arrived, when we arrived, or how we traveled. I don't like to cling to any excuse. In that game, we didn't have the possibility to be our best competitive version. I think this difference that Flamengo has, having secured the championship title in a previous round and not having used any of its athletes in the game against Mirassol, could make a big difference. And it will help show a greater competitive reality of the teams that went. Because I felt that we were not competitively our reality when we presented ourselves here against Pachuca (MEX),” said Artur Jorge, in an interview with 'GE'.

How was Botafogo's journey in the Intercontinental?

Botafogo secured a spot in the 2024 Intercontinental after being the champion of the Libertadores over Atlético-MG, by 3 to 1. However, in the quarterfinals of the world tournament, the Carioca team was 'crushed' by Pachuca, being eliminated from the competition after a 3-0 defeat.

And Flamengo?

Aiming to win the world championship for the second time, Flamengo debuts in the Intercontinental against Cruz Azul, in the Americas Derby. Thus, in case of victory, the Rubro-Negro advances to the second phase to face Pyramids (EGY), with the match scheduled for Saturday (13).

Finally, if they win in the first two phases, Flamengo reaches the final to face PSG (FRA), competing for the world title. The French team secured a direct spot in the final after winning the Champions League in the 2024/25 season.

When do Flamengo and Cruz Azul face each other?

The match between Flamengo and Cruz Azul takes place this Wednesday (10), for the quarterfinals of the Intercontinental Club Cup. The ball rolls at 2 PM (Brasília time), at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, in Doha, Qatar.

Thus, as tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details about the match, through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, Globo (open channel), GE TV (YouTube) and Cazé TV (YouTube) will broadcast the Flamengo game.

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