Flamengo Edge Rivals Palmeiras 1-0 in Scrappy Lima Showdown to Become Brazil’s Record-Breakers!
BY OUR MAN IN LIMA
LIMA – Flamengo have conquered South America once again, clinching the prestigious Copa Libertadores trophy with a tense 1-0 victory over bitter Brazilian rivals Palmeiras in Lima, Peru, last night.
The all-Brazilian final—a rematch of the 2021 encounter which Palmeiras won—was a fiery, cagey affair, but was ultimately decided by a moment of towering class from veteran defender Danilo.
The former Juventus and Manchester City man, now 34, rose highest in the 67th minute to power home a thumping header from a Giorgian De Arrascaeta corner, sending the Flamengo faithful into pandemonium.
This was never going to be a silky samba-style showdown.
The clash between the two continental titans was littered with 33 fouls and seven yellow cards, confirming its status as a proper South American grudge match.
Flamengo, managed by the legendary Filipe Luís, were perhaps lucky to maintain all 11 men on the pitch after Chilean midfielder Erick Pulgar caught Palmeiras’ Bruno Fuchs with a nasty challenge in the first half, escaping with just a yellow card.
But once Danilo’s header broke the deadlock, the Mengão machine dug deep, avenging their final defeat from four years ago and securing a historic fourth Copa Libertadores title.
The victory makes Flamengo the most successful Brazilian club in the tournament’s history, pulling ahead of Palmeiras, Grêmio, Santos, and São Paulo, who all sit on three titles.
Palmeiras, known as Verdão (The Big Green), pushed frantically for an equaliser, and star striker Vitor Roque will be having nightmares after blasting a point-blank sitter over the bar in the dying minutes—a golden chance to send the tie into extra time.
But Flamengo’s defence held firm. The final whistle brought tears of joy and relief for the Rio de Janeiro giants, who are now well on their way to a treble this season, having already bagged the Brazilian Super Cup and sitting on the brink of the domestic league title.
The celebrations in the iconic Maracanã stadium will be monumental!
