Palmeiras and Flamengo decide this Saturday (29), at the Monumental stadium in Lima, Peru, the 2025 Copa Libertadores. The most successful football clubs in South America in recent years will be on the field, in the single-game final.
Alviverdes and red-blacks have been frequently dueling for national and international titles. They were in the 2021 Libertadores final itself, won by the São Paulo team in extra time, in Montevideo, Uruguay. But the rivalry has never been as fierce as it is now.
There is animosity between players, barbs between coaches, fights between fans and belligerence between presidents. In this scenario, the clubs compete for the right to be the first in Brazil with four titles in the main competition on the continent.
“The two best in South America are playing, perhaps the greatest final in the history of the Libertadores. It’s wonderful that we can have the chance to live this moment. It’s a great privilege, we’re going to enjoy it,” said Flamengo coach, Filipe Luís.
Five Brazilian clubs are three-time champions of the tournament, a list that also includes São Paulo, Santos and Grêmio. Starting this Saturday night, there will be a tetra.
“It’s the most important game of the year,” said striker Vitor Roque, from Palmeiras. “It’s a different preparation, a different focus. I’m sure we’ll play a brilliant game.”
The phrases were said by the athlete even before the Brazilian Championship round last Tuesday (25). In the fight for the national title, at a decisive moment, Flamengo and Palmeiras adopted alternative lineups.
The Brazilian mattered. It matters. Five points ahead of the alviverde, with two rounds to go, the red-black team is very close to securing the title. But there was never any doubt about the priority, continental glory.
In the 2025 edition of the South American tournament, Palmeiras’ campaign was very smooth until the semifinals. The team finished the group stage with 100% success and remained undefeated by defeating Universitario and River Plate.
Then came a blow, a 3-0 defeat to LDU, in the 2,850 m in Quito. A week later, in a “magical night” that had been promised by coach Abel Ferreira, the alviverde scored 4-0 and went to the decision.
The red-black campaign was even more turbulent. Flamengo finished Group C behind LDU and was ahead of small Central Córdoba only on goal difference. They then defeated Internacional in the round of 16 and suffered a lot in the two subsequent stages against the Argentine teams Estudiantes (winning on penalties) and Racing.
Each team built its way to the final with 1,080 minutes of football. Now, the whole fight comes down to 90 – possibly followed by 30 extra time and penalties.
Details can be decisive, which is why Filipe Luís re-edited a strategy by the Portuguese Jorge Jesus, Flamengo’s commander in winning the 2019 Libertadores. The field where the team trained, at the FPF (Peruvian Football Federation) training center, was surrounded by a black tarpaulin, so that unauthorized people could not observe the activity.
Libertadores Champion as a player in 2019 and also in 2022, Filipe is looking for his third title in the competition. It is the same objective as Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras’ commander in the 2020 and 2021 victories.
The red-black coach will not be able to count on center forward Pedro, who suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh. Striker Gonzalo Plato, sent off in the semi-finals, is suspended. Thus, the old talisman Bruno Henrique should be a starter in attack.
There is a doubt in defense, as Léo Ortiz is recovering from an injury to his right ankle. The expectation is that he will be able to play, but Danilo is ready.
At Palmeiras, the only absence is goalkeeper Weverton, who suffered a crack in his right hand in October and has since been replaced by Carlos Miguel.
PALMEIRAS
Time: 6pm (Brasília time)
Local: Monumental stadium of Lima (PER)
Arbitrator: Darío Herrera (ARG)
Video referee: Hector Alberto Paletta (ARG)
Competition: Copa Libertadores
Palm trees: Carlos Miguel; Gustavo Gómez, Bruno Fuchs and Murilo; Khellven, Andreas Pereira, Allan, Raphael Veiga and Piquerez; Flaco López and Vitor Roque
Technical: Abel Ferreira
Flemish: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Bruno Henrique and Carrascal
Technical: Filipe Luís
