Islamabad, June 25, 2025: Flamengo and LAFC entered their Club World Cup group finale with both teams fates in the tournament already sealed, and while it seemed they were headed for a scoreless draw in LAFC vs Flamengo, they turned on the drama late.
Denis Bouanga, whose missed penalty kick against ES Tunis sealed LAFC’s elimination in their previous match, scored in the 84th minute, only to be answered almost immediately by Flamengo youngster Wallace Yan.
As a result, the sides shared the spoils at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Tuesday night. Flamengo had already clinched first place in the group prior to kick-off, and the Brazilians will feel a bit of relief that they won’t go into the knockout stage on the heels of defeat to an MLS outfit.
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Their reward for topping the table is a high-stakes encounter with Bayern Munich, who surprisingly dropped to second in Group C after a shock loss to Benfica. On the other hand, LAFC bow out after three matches and join fellow MLS club Seattle Sounders on the sidelines. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, are now North America’s lone representatives and will next face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
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The Flamengo fans made their presence felt in Florida, turning the LAFC vs Flamengo fixture into a virtual home game with their overwhelming numbers. The team struck the woodwork three times and looked the more dangerous side, even though they couldn’t secure the win. With group qualification already in hand, Flamengo delivered a composed display.
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Playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta played a vital role in Flamengo’s attacking flow but was taken off before full-time. Coach Filipe Luis now faces a tough decision on whether to include the creative Uruguayan against a physically dominant Bayern Munich side or prioritize balance over flair.
LAFC managed their first goal and point in the tournament through Bouanga, but their joy was short-lived. Wallace Yan’s immediate reply summed up LAFC’s brief and frustrating journey.
