The Women’s Copa Libertadores concluded in Quito, Ecuador, after weeks of intense South American football and frequent rain that forced several matches to be paused temporarily.
Santa Fe and Olimpia clashed early to decide third and fourth place, while the Colombian side secured the podium despite Paraguayan resistance and the ejection of striker Mariana Zamorano.
The showdown unfolded at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, where Brazilian giants battled for the crown – Corinthians chasing a seventh title, Cruzeiro eyeing its inaugural triumph and a chance to break the ‘Timão’ dominance.
Champion of the Women’s Copa Libertadores
If memorable finals are measured by moments, this one began with Gabi Zanotti’s stunning header three minutes in, giving Corinthians an early lead that they doubled before halftime.
Corinthians ran rampant in the second half, soon extending the lead through Victoria Albuquerque, whose strike left Cruzeiro struggling to find the net behind goalkeeper Letícia.
Cruzeiro answered quickly with Byanca Brasil’s equaliser, matching Mariana Zamorano as the tournament’s top scorer; a dubious penalty by Calhau trimmed the gap before Albuquerque restored a two‑goal cushion.
With fifteen minutes left, Ketlin made it 3‑2 for Cruzeiro, and in the final minute Letícia Ferreira forced extra time, sending the tie to penalties where Belo Horizonte’s side clinched their first continental title.
¿QUÉ PASÓ EN LOS PENALES ENTRE CORINTHIANS VS CRUZEIRO?
In the shoot‑out, both teams missed, but the heroics of keeper Camila Gomes on the decisive spot‑kick ended the Paulista reign and ushered in a new era for Brazilian women’s football.
Byanca Brasil, Letícia Ferreira for Cruzeiro and Victoria Albuquerque, Duda Sampaio for Corinthians converted their penalties; Pri Back and Jaqueline missed for their respective sides.
Michelle Romero and Calhau scored for Cruzeiro, while Belén Aquino and Thais Ferreira equalised for Corinthians; Colombia’s Lorena Bedoya and Gisela Robledo both missed their kicks.
In my view, Cruzeiro’s breakthrough reshapes South America’s club hierarchy, and Milena Ferreira sealed the victory with the final penalty as Camila Gomes saved Gi Fernandes’ attempt, delivering a maiden title to a team that has never won the Brasileirao.