Danilo’s Header Secures Flamengo‘s Third Copa Libertadores Title in Lima
LIMA, Peru – Flamengo defeated Palmeiras 1-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Lima on Saturday, claiming their third Copa libertadores title. The decisive goal came from former real Madrid midfielder Danilo in the 73rd minute, a powerful header that secured victory for Mengão.
The match pitted two Brazilian giants against each other, both having navigated challenging paths to the final. Palmeiras had impressively overturned a 3-0 frist-leg deficit against liga Deportiva Universitaria de quito with a 4-0 victory in São Paulo. Flamengo, meanwhile, narrowly avoided elimination in the group stage and prevailed in penalty shootouts against Estudiantes in the quarterfinals and with a 1-0 win over Racing in the semifinals.
Both teams arrived in Lima with injury concerns. Palmeiras were without Paulinho and Lucas Evangelista, while goalkeeper Wéverton was a late doubt. Flamengo were missing forward Pedro and suspended Ecuadorian forward Gonzalo Plata, sent off during the semi-final against Racing.
The game remained tightly contested until Danilo’s breakthrough. The victory marks Filipe Luís’ first international title as a coach, and for Danilo, it adds to an already impressive career, making him the first player to win both Champions league and Copa Libertadores titles twice. Former colchonero Saúl Ñíguez also had the opportunity to become the second Spaniard to lift the Libertadores title, following Pablo Marí’s success with Flamengo in 2019.
Lineups:
palmeiras: Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs, Gustavo Gómez, Piquerez; Andreas Pereira, Allan, Raphael Veiga; Flaco López, Vitor Roque.
Coach: Abel Ferreira.
Flamengo: Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho, Carrascal, Arrascaeta; Samuel lino, Bruno Henrique.
Coach: Filipe Luís.
Referee: Darío Herrera (Argentina).
