A completely Brazilian Copa Libertadores final could materialise as Estudiantes de La Plata faces defending champion Flamengo, while Palmeiras meets Fluminense for the other spot.
The Pincha’s last Libertadores crown dates back to 2009. Since 2019, Brazilian clubs have dominated, winning the seven most recent editions, with Flamengo lifting the trophy in 2019, 2022 and 2025.
If Flamengo is a key part of that dominance, Palmeiras embodies its continuity.
Palmeiras aims for a fourth title after victories in 1999, 2020 and 2021, while Fluminense seeks a second crown following its 2023 triumph.
La revancha pendiente del Pincha
The recent history between Estudiantes and Flamengo suggests a tight semifinal.
Their group‑stage meetings produced a 1‑1 draw in La Plata and a 1‑0 win for the reds at the Maracanã.
But the rivalry runs deeper.
Just a year ago, Flamengo eliminated León in the quarters after a penalty shootout (4‑2), following a 2‑1 win in Rio and a 1‑0 loss in La Plata.
“What can I say about Flamengo? They have excellent players, a great team. They’ve built a huge hegemony in recent Libertadores editions,” said Estudiantes coach Alexander Medina.
The campaign backs Flamengo’s status as a title contender.
Leonardo Jardim’s squad remains the only unbeaten side in this Libertadores and will look to keep that run against Estudiantes.
“We know Estudiantes’ worth. They are a quality, extremely intense team,” Jardim said. “They’ve shown this year, and in recent editions, their energy and player quality,” he added.
The first clash will take place Thursday (00:30 GMT Friday) at the Uno Stadium in La Plata.
Tradición copera vs. ilusión tricolor
If Estudiantes tries to break Brazilian hegemony, Palmeiras and Fluminense will fight to preserve it.
The showdown between the Paulistas and Cariocas on Wednesday (00:30 GMT Thursday) in Rio guarantees a Brazilian club in the November 28 final in Montevideo and pits two distinct paths to the title.
In my view, Palmeiras has become the benchmark of consistency under Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira.
The Verdão will contest its sixth semifinal in the last seven editions, an unprecedented regularity on the continent.
“We think match by match. We’ll fight to the end; that’s our mindset: fight to the end,” Palmeiras captain Gustavo Gómez said.
Fluminense, however, has built a much shorter yet equally effective story.
The two times it reached a Libertadores semifinal it advanced to the final: runner‑up in 2008 (lost to Liga de Quito) and champion in 2023 after beating Boca Juniors at the Maracanã.
Thus the series will pit Palmeiras’ steadiness against Fluminense’s efficiency.
“The goal is the same: we must always win, which means huge responsibility in every match and giving everything each time,” Marcão said, leading Flu since mid‑August after Luis Zubeldía’s dismissal.
Semifinales de ida de la Copa Libertadores
Miércoles 14 de octubre
Fluminense vs. Palmeiras
Jueves 15 de octubre
Estudiantes de La Plata vs. Flamengo. (D)