Flamengo open Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Esperance

Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance on Monday in Philadelphia, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Chelsea later this week.

First-half and second-half goals from Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo, respectively, sealed a deserved win for Flamengo, managed by former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis.

The Rio de Janeiro club, representing South America as recent Copa Libertadores champions, fielded a star-studded lineup featuring multiple Brazil internationals and handed a debut to Italy midfielder Jorginho, newly signed from Arsenal.


Jorginho is now set to face his former club when Flamengo meet Chelsea on Friday. The Premier League side opened their tournament earlier in the day with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC.

De Arrascaeta struck in the 17th minute at Lincoln Financial Field, slotting home first time after a well-timed assist from Araujo, sparking loud celebrations from the Flamengo-heavy crowd of 25,797.

Despite several chances to extend their lead, Flamengo remained just one goal ahead until the 70th minute, when Araujo doubled the advantage with a composed finish into the far corner after finding space inside the box.

Esperance, the Tunisian champions, rarely threatened, with their best opportunity coming when Algerian winger Youcef Belaili nearly equalized midway through the second half.