Champions League Runner-Up Eliminated, Long Live the Samba

June 30, 2025 — FIFA Club World Cup (Photo: Inter)

Once again, the Club World Cup delivered a Champions vs Libertadores showdown, this time between Inter Milan and Fluminense. The Champions League runner-up came in as the favorite, but from the first whistle, Fluminense — including their goalkeeper — pressed with full intensity.

And that’s exactly how you play when you want to win a knockout match: go forward and chase the goal. On an early attack down the right wing, a cross into the box bounced in front of Inter’s defense and Germán Cano headed it between Sommer’s legs for the opener in the 3rd minute.

The Brazilian side continued to threaten, and once again showed how dangerous Brasileirão teams are in this tournament. In the 39th minute, Fluminense nearly doubled the lead with a brilliant sequence down the right flank and a double header into the net — but it was ruled offside. The first half ended with the Brazilian club on the verge of a second.

In the second half, Inter made key changes to their starting XI and began to dominate possession. They made Fluminense chase the ball, but the real danger still came from the Brazilians. Just as Inter started to push harder, the “champagne football” began — a masterclass from Fluminense in ball control, long possessions, and shielding the ball in the corner. This is Fluminense.

Late in the match, Lautaro Martínez controlled a pass with his back to goal and fired a shot that hit the right post. As Inter pressed for the equalizer, Hércules struck on the counter in the 90+3 minute, sealing a 2-0 win for the team from Rio de Janeiro.

Long live the samba, and long live football.