Changes in the Libertadores: A Path for a Potential G9

The CBF decided to cut the number of spots from the Brasileirão for the Libertadores from six to five this year. But the good news is that the competition can end with a G9! Want to know how that’s possible? Come with me and I’ll explain it to you!

Understanding Brazil’s Spots in the Libertadores

Brazil has the right to seven spots in the Libertadores, with five direct and two that are in the qualifying phase. The rules are a little different this year:

• The top four teams in the Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil champion go directly to the group stage.
• Meanwhile, the fifth-placed team and the runner-up of the Copa do Brasil go to the qualifying playoffs.

This change is a bit different from what was happening until last year, when the 5th and 6th teams from the Brasileirão could also go to the qualifying phase. The CBF’s idea was to place more emphasis on the excitement of knockout matches!

How can we reach the G9?

The seven spots can turn into nine! But how? The key lies in the titles that Brazilian clubs can win this year in the Libertadores and the Sul-Americana.

Currently, those heating up in the semifinals of the Libertadores are:

• Flamengo
• Palmeiras
• Fluminense

And in the Sul-Americana, Atlético-MG and Vasco are also in the same stage. If any of these teams win the title, they open up spots for more Libertadores berths next year, because champions do not count toward their country’s spots; instead, they end up freeing up more positions!

The Impact of the Copa do Brasil

Another factor that can also help a G9 come about is the Copa do Brasil! If the finalists qualify for the Libertadores through the Brasileirão, or if they have already secured a berth through the Libertadores or the Sul-Americana, two new spots can be added.

At this moment, the clubs in contention are:

• Palmeiras
• Atlético-MG
• Vasco

Among them, Verdão (Palmeiras) is the best-placed, sitting in second place in the G5 of the Brasileirão.

Relegation and Its Surprises

The fight against relegation can also generate an interesting berth! Grêmio and Vasco are in the battle to stay in Série A and could end up qualifying for the Libertadores—Grêmio through the Copa do Brasil and Vasco through the Copa do Brasil or the Sul-Americana.

But an important detail: Conmebol does not give a chance to second-division clubs in the Libertadores! Therefore, if any of these teams earns a spot and ends up being relegated, that berth will be passed on to the Brasileirão.

Keep an Eye on the Semifinals!

It’s worth paying attention to the matchups:

• Vasco x Boca Juniors
• Atlético-MG x Montevideo City Torque
• Flamengo x Estudiantes
• Palmeiras x Fluminense
• Atlético-MG x Grêmio
• Palmeiras x Vasco

The season is full of excitement! Let’s hope it all unfolds into even more opportunities for our teams in the Libertadores! ⚽️