Flamengo vs Chelsea: South American flair meets European steel

South America’s greatest football rivalries are well-known across the world. And there are not many. Besides the Argentina-Brazil clash, Argentina’s fixtures against Mexico usually make for an intriguing spectacle on the international calendar.

These are games where winning or losing is a matter of life and death.

And today’s fixture between Chelsea and Flamengo presents a classic show between two South American protagonists; Chelsea’s Enzo against the former Blues and current Flamengo architect Jorginho. It’s a potential personnel duel between Brazil and Argentina.

Flamengo are one of the six CONMEBOL representatives at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Boasting a star-studded squad and an estimated fanbase of nearly 50 million, the Rio de Janeiro outfit earned their place at the Club World Cup following a 1-0 win over fellow Brazilian outfit Athletico Paranaense in the Copa Libertadores final in 2022.

They have competed in the Club World Cup twice before. In 2019, they reached the final but lost 1–0 in extra time to Liverpool. In 2022, they returned but finished third, having lost the semi-final to Al Hilal in a surprise upset before beating Al Ahly for third place.

In both campaigns, Flamengo were accused of folding under the weight of expectation despite possessing arguably the most talented roster of players in Brazil.

Will this edition turn out to be different? Maybe. Flamengo won their first game at the 2025 Club World Cup. They defeated Esperance de Tunis 2-0 in their opening match, held in Philadelphia. This victory puts them in a strong position, sharing the lead of Group D with Chelsea, who also won their first game 2-0 against Los Angeles FC.

Both face off in a match that will determine who advances as Group D winners.

Whoever dominates this one in the central areas will almost certainly progress. Flamengo will look to Jorginho while Chelsea will expect Enzo to anchor them to glory.

Jorginho, recently signed from Arsenal, made his debut for Flamengo and assisted on the second goal.

At Flamengo, Jorginho finds himself surrounded by technically gifted players with a penchant for passing. That starts with defenders Leo Ortiz and Leo Pereira, and continues into midfield with Erick Pulgar, then with attacking players Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Gerson. So much technical quality normally elevates Jorginho’s game.

But so is the case with Enzo. He normally flourishes in a diamond that has Moises Caicedo, Romelo Lavia and Cole Palmer.

Every great player influences games: Jorginho and Enzo have it in them to decide this one.

Chelsea may not afford to fall behind because Flamengo are masters at killing off games when leading.

Chelsea should hold on for victory if they go in front, but that is only if they don’t sit back and invite the Brazilians.

FIFA Club World Cup

Friday, 1am

Pachuca v Red Bull Salzburg

Friday, 4am

Al Ain v Juventus

Friday, 7pm

Benfica v Auckland City

Friday, 9pm

Flamengo v Chelsea

Saturday, 1am

Seattle Sounders FC v Atletico Madrid

Saturday, 4am

PSG v Botafogo

Saturday, 7pm

Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund

Saturday, 10pm

Inter Milan v Urawa Red Diamonds

Sunday, 1am

Los Angeles FC v Espérance de Tunis

Sunday, 4am

Bayern Munich v Boca Juniors

Sunday, 7pm

Juventus v Wydad AC

Sunday, 10pm

Real Madrid v Pachuca