Flamengo v Esperance: lineup, statistics, preview

Preview of Flamengo V Esperance

Flamengo boss Philipe Lewis says there will be no repurpose of his high press game when the Brazilian side opens the Club World Cup campaign against Esperance tonight.

The former Atletico Madrid left-back took over with Flamengo in October and vowed to play the “European style” of pushing his opponents as high as possible on the pitch.

A recent survey of the Football Observatory has revealed that Flamengo outperforms the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City in average field depth.

They get the opportunity to showcase their style against Esperance before their match between Chelsea and LAFC in Group D.

Philippe Lewis said: “We’re always trying to attack, always trying to dominate the game with the ball. Those who decide where they are on the field will be their opponents.

The day has finally arrived! Gameday at the FIFA Club World Cup

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-flamengo (@flamengo_en) June 16, 2025

On paper it should be too good for Esperance, Tunisia’s 34-time champion.

However, Africans have several secret weapons in the form of Brazilian duoyan Sasse and Rodrigo Rodriguez.

Sasse played for Brazilian Serie A in Colitiba, Vasco da Gama and Mineiro, USA, while Rodriguez came at Palmeiras before a stint with CSA and Juventod in Serie B.

Rodriguez told Lance:

“But we also have a talented team. We’re hoping for an open match where Flamengo tries to play on the front paws. They leave a gap behind when the team sets out to offense.