Brazilian Football in the Fight for the Libertadores

Brazilian football was one step away from making history with a Libertadores semifinal 100% domestic. While Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Flamengo sent their message and advanced, the Corinthians ultimately disappointed and dashed hopes for this unprecedented milestone.

Almost the Big Triumph

Did you know that, until now, there has never been a Libertadores semifinal featuring teams from the same country only? Well, Brazil came very close to pulling off that feat this edition: Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Flamengo won their matches against Platense, LDU, and Independiente del Valle. Corinthians, however, ran into an obstacle and were eliminated by Estudiantes.

Brazil has had opportunities like this before. In 2021, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Atlético-MG reached the semifinals, but Fluminense stopped in the quarterfinals. In 2022, Flamengo and Palmeiras were there again, this time alongside Athletico. In 2023, Palmeiras returned to shine, this time with Fluminense and Internacional.

A Touch of History

In 1966, Argentina also managed to have three semifinalists, but the format was very different. Back then, the semifinals were played in two groups, with the teams facing each other in home-and-away matches. Group A had the already familiar River Plate, Independiente, and Boca Juniors, along with the Paraguayan Guaraní—and guess who advanced to the final? That’s right, River Plate!

The End of the Road for Corinthians

Corinthians fell to Estudiantes by a score of 1 to 0 and said goodbye to the semifinals after a draw of 1 to 1 in the first leg. In the final play of the match in Itaquera, Timão had the chance to equalize with a penalty and take the decision to the shootout. But Memphis Depay ended up missing the attempt, and the elimination was sealed.

Semifinals on the Way

The semifinal matchups are already set, with the following fixtures:

• Palmeiras x Fluminense
• Flamengo x Estudiantes

The semifinals will take place next month, with the first legs scheduled for the week of 14 in October and the second legs in the week of 21 in October. The exact dates and times will still be announced by Conmebol.

Who are the home teams? The teams that had the best campaigns during the group stage will play at home in the second match. Palmeiras was the best among them and will decide at the Nubank Parque, while Flamengo, who had the most impressive campaign, will play at home at the Maracanã.

More Than Just Football

Along with all the excitement of the semifinals, the semifinal teams already have a hefty prize in their hands: more than R$ 11,8 million just for being in this stage. With the previous amounts from the group stage, the four clubs have accumulated about R$ 32 million in total. And if any of them advances to the final, they will secure another R$ 35,8 million, with the champion taking home the impressive sum of over R$ 128 million!

The grand final is already scheduled for 28 of November, at the Estádio Centenário in Montevideo, Uruguay. Brazilian football can guarantee at least one representative in the decider, and is chasing the eighth consecutive title in the Libertadores! ??