Bayern's round of 16 opponents: Who are CR Flamengo?

Things are hotting up in the Club World Cup! The knockout stage is just around the corner - and FC Bayern face CR Flamengo in the round of 16. The side from Rio de Janeiro, who have an illustrious history were one of the surprise teams of the group stage and went through to the last 16 as unbeaten group winners. What do the German record champions have to prepare for? A look at the club reveals what makes their opponents dangerous.

The club

Founded in 1895 as a rowing club, CR Flamengo play their home games at the famous Maracanã. Their greatest successes include three triumphs in the Copa Libertadores (1981, 2019, 2022), the most important competition in South American club football. With their seven league titles, the south-east coast side are one of the four most successful teams in Brazil - level with SC Corinthians (7), but behind FC Santos (8) and record winners SE Palmeiras (11) from São Paulo.

Fla have also tasted major success on the international stage: in 1981, the team led by club legend Zico won the Intercontinental Cup thanks to a 3-0 win over Liverpool in Tokyo. The ‘white Pelé’, as the fans affectionately call him, characterised Flamengo in the 1970s and 1980s like no other player: In 732 appearances for his boyhood club, he scored a total of 509 goals. Ahead of the Club World Cup, in which the Brazilians are taking part for the third time, Zico said in an interview with FIFA: "This will be a much more difficult and increasingly balanced tournament for everyone, because you're competing against the most important representatives of global football."

In the USA, Flamengo are not only making a name for themselves on the pitch, but also enjoy strong support from their fans. More than 50 million people cheer on the team in the red and black jerseys - making Fla one of the clubs with the most supporters worldwide. "The fans push you," said Zico about the passionate support from the stands, "but you also have to show that the club comes before everything else. I learnt that at Flamengo." The slogan ‘Raça, Amor e Paixão’ isn't just an empty promise, but a living club philosophy: fighting spirit, love and passion. So Bayern can expect a heated atmosphere at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The squad

It's likely to be intense on the pitch, too, especially as Flamengo have individual class and strength in depth. The team are just missing a big name, a “star of world football”, said national hero Zico at the start of last season. And he was heard. The bosses pulled off a real coup with the arrival of Brazilian-born Jorginho (Arsenal) on a free transfer. The 33-year-old midfielder was voted 2021 European Footballer of the Year after winning the Champions League with Chelsea and the European Championship with the Italian national team (57 appearances).

In Alex Sandro (Juventus) and Danilo (Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus), two other Flamengo players have already gained experience at the top European level. The Reds' defence should keep a close eye on Giorgian de Arrascaeta. The 31-year-old Uruguayan has been outstanding this season and has scored nine goals and set up a further four in nine appearances. Like the attacking specialist, the majority of the players are in the prime of their careers - with an average age of 27.6 years, Flamengo have a balanced squad overall.

Formation

Speaking of experience: Flamengo head coach Filipe Luís knows what he's talking about. During his playing career, the now 39-year-old Brazilian was under contract at Altético Madrid and Chelsea, among others. He won the league in both Spain and England and lifted the Europa League trophy twice. In 2024, he ended his playing career at Flamengo and took over in the dugout. In his first season as coach, he led his team to a third-place finish.

Luís favours a 4-2-3-1 formation. Danilo and Leo Pereira or Leo Ortiz usually form the centre-back duo in front of keeper Agustin Rossi. Alex Sandro is normally deployed on the left side of defence, but in the group stage clashes with Chelsea and Espérance Tunis, the coach entrusted Ayrton with this position. At right-back, the experienced Guillermo Varela has a serious challenger in the young Wesley Franca.

The Chilean Erick Pulgar recently paired up with Jorginho as defensive midfielders. Top scorer Giorgian de Arrascaeta plays as a number ten, flanked by Luiz Araujo and captain Gerson on the wings. Pedro or fromer Wolfsburg player Bruno Henrique usually leads the line in front of the threesome.

Playing style

Flamengo's game is characterised by vertical combinations and link-up play in tight spaces. Luís' team are keen to play deep and quickly look for a way to get forward right from the build-up. They achieve this through quick passing within a small zone of action: the players create passing lanes in close proximity to each other which draws in opponents and opens up attacking spaces into which the front men can drop. Even under pressure, the Brazilians manage to get forward quickly into the final third and create chances.

These are the basic virtues that Flamengo have mastered: precise positioning at the ideal distance from each other and perfectly timed runs off the ball. Each movement fits seamlessly into the next and allows the game to flow. This gives the impression that the Brazilians' attacks seem to come out of nowhere.

Current form

Flamengo currently lead the Brazilian Série A, which doesn't resume league action until March. After 11 matchdays, the side from Rio de Janeiro have already picked up 24 points. The leaders haven't lost a competitive match since the beginning of May and have been able to carry their momentum into the Club World Cup. The team led by captain Gerson kicked off the tournament by beating Tunisian side Espérance Tunis 2-0 and then even shut down Chelsea (3-1). That sealed the group win and clinched their passage to the round of 16. The Brazilians could also not be beaten in their final group match against Los Angeles FC (1-1).

It means Flamengo go into their clash with FC Bayern with a lot of momentum behind them. It's the first meeting between the two clubs in a competitive match - and it promises to be an exciting one. The stage is set for a football fiesta. Pack ma's! (Let's do this!)

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