INTERCONTINENTAL CUP: STATS, FUN FACTS, AND SAMBA
Europe meets samba in the Intercontinental Cup as PSG faces Flamengo. Fun facts, history, star power and a rivalry that blends flair and fire in a must-watch showdown.
The ultimate showdown is here: Europe’s finest takes on the pride of the Americas!
It’s Paris Saint-Germain vs Flamengo in a clash that promises fireworks. Flamengo arrives riding a historic high, having conquered both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Série A. PSG, meanwhile, stands tall as European champions and Ligue 1 kings, ready to defend Europe’s supremacy in the Intercontinental Cup.
Fun Facts About Flamengo
- The mascot that started as an insult — Flamengo’s iconic vulture (“urubu”) was originally a prank by rival fans, who released a vulture onto the pitch to mock the team. Instead of sulking, Flamengo fans embraced the bird, turning it into a proud symbol that soars today!
- Samba meets football — Flamengo fans didn’t stop at chants; they created an actual samba school called Fla Manguaça, which now competes in Rio’s legendary carnival parades. Talk about rhythm on and off the pitch!
Fun Facts About PSG
- Halloween horror in Paris — During a club media shoot, stars like Mbappé, Verratti, Thiago Silva, and Di María were calmly answering questions… until Frankenstein jumped out! The jump-scare was caught on camera, and the reactions were priceless.
- Pear juice, Paris-style — In a quirky twist, PSG once planted orchards at their training ground and produced their own pear juice for stadium hospitality. Très chic, right?
A Rivalry Written in History
When it comes to national teams, Brazil usually has the upper hand. But in World Cup clashes, France leads 2–1, including that unforgettable 1998 final where Zidane scored twice and Petit sealed the deal in a 3–0 triumph.
Now, the question is: Will France’s club champions dominate Brazil’s finest club?
Flamengo’s squad is stacked with players seasoned in Europe—names linked to Atlético Madrid, Milan, Arsenal, Fiorentina, and Benfica. And if they bring their samba flair to the pitch, they might just dance their way to glory. Watch it on beIN Sports and beIN Sports en Español this Wednesday 17th at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT.
