Palmeiras and Flamengo Meet in All-Brazilian Copa Libertadores Final

Lima, Peru – Palmeiras and Flamengo will face off in the Copa Libertadores final on November 29, marking the seventh consecutive championship between Brazilian teams. This dominance underscores Brazil’s football superiority in South America.

Palmeiras earned its spot in the final after a dramatic 4-0 victory over Liga de Quito in the semifinals, overcoming a 3-0 first-leg deficit at the Allianz Parque in São Paulo. Raphael Veiga scored two goals, including one via penalty, while Ramón Sosa and Bruno Fuchs also found the net.

This remarkable comeback marks the first time in the 66-year history of the Copa Libertadores that a team has recovered from a three-goal deficit in the semifinals to advance. “We believed we could do it, and we showed that spirit today,” said Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira.

Flamengo reached the final after a goalless draw with Racing Club in the semifinals, securing their spot with the benefit of a first-leg victory. Coach Filipe Luís praised his team’s strong defensive performance throughout the two matches.

The Copa Libertadores has seen a Brazilian champion for six straight years, with the last non-Brazilian team being River Plate in 2018. The list of previous champions since then demonstrates Brazil’s dominance, including Flamengo’s 2-1 victory over River Plate in 2019 and Palmeiras’ 1-0 win against Santos in 2020.

With both teams currently holding three Copa Libertadores titles, the upcoming final will determine which team becomes the most successful in the tournament’s history with four championships. “Both clubs have a rich history, and this final will be special for our fans,” said Flamengo’s captain.

The financial disparity between Brazilian teams and competitors from other countries has significantly influenced recent performances. Palmeiras, for instance, has a squad valued at nearly $250 million, dwarfing Liga de Quito’s approximate worth of $20 million.

This final presents a captivating matchup, echoing their previous recent encounter in 2021, where Palmeiras won 2-1. Now, stakes are even higher as both sides vie for continental glory.