Fluminense clinched a semi‑final spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores despite a 2‑1 defeat to Platense in Buenos Aires. How did they survive?
The opening half was a nightmare. Defensively they collapsed, while the attack was invisible. Platense struck first when Mainero’s shot deflected off Hércules, leaving keeper Fábio stranded. In stoppage time Mainero delivered a perfect cross for Sepúlveda, whose unmarked header doubled the lead. A moment later Fábio denied Ignacio Vázquez with a spectacular save, keeping hope alive.
After the interval Marcão left the lineup unchanged, opting only for a pep talk. The side responded, and eleven minutes in Canobbio retrieved the ball in his own half, sparking the equaliser. Martinelli fed Hulk, who slipped it back; Canobbio then slotted it low into the corner to restore the aggregate lead. Marcão’s first substitution came in the 26th minute, swapping Soteldo for Serna, and shortly after Ganso limped off for Lucho Acosta. The new attacking options sparked several counters, yet Hulk’s effort sailed over the bar. Unlike the first half, Platense struggled to press, but still threatened aerially, forcing another heroic stop from Fábio against Vázquez’s header and a rebound shot from Mendía. In my view, the halftime adjustments were the turning point.
Now Fluminense await the winner of the other quarter‑final. Palmeiras host LDU in Quito on Wednesday for the second leg, after a 1‑0 first‑leg victory at Nubank Parque.
The Tricolor return next Sunday at 4 p.m. to face Corinthians at Neo Química Arena in Brasileirão round 28. Will this momentum carry them deeper into the tournament?