Brazil’s remarkable Copa Libertadores triumph—achieving the title seven times consecutively, a feat unmatched by any other nation—occurred even as many of its elite players endured grueling schedules.
Flamengo and Palmeiras have emerged as the dominant forces in South American football, clinching the last five continental titles against each other. Flamengo is also set to secure the Brazilian Serie A title shortly, extending their celebrations following a 1-0 victory in the Libertadores final, while Palmeiras will finish as runners-up in the league. This rivalry has characterized seven of the last ten seasons.
However, the intense competition comes at a steep cost, with players experiencing a punishing number of games.
Some players from both teams participated in recent FIFA international matches, representing various national squads. On Tuesday, many were engaged in competitions across Europe, Mexico, and the United States, only to return to intense domestic action the following day as Flamengo and Palmeiras vied for the national title.
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This strain diminished the excitement surrounding Saturday’s Copa Libertadores final in Lima, where the highly anticipated ‘final of the century’ turned into a battle of attrition. The Libertadores match contrasted sharply with the thrilling, high-scoring league encounter from last month.
In that league match, Flamengo triumphed 3-2, showcasing far more goals than the scant opportunities in Lima. The official stats for Flamengo recorded just two shots on target, with Danilo’s decisive header from a corner by Jorgean de Arrascaeta marking the only memorable moment. Danilo’s appearance was only made possible due to an injury to starting fullback Leo Ortiz.
Leading up to the match, Palmeiras derived concerns from reports of a physical and mental strain within the squad, which likely impacted coach Abel Ferreira’s mindset. Typically cautious in high-stakes games, Ferreira appeared to adopt a strategy focused on maintaining a 0-0 stalemate, hoping for opportunities to emerge as the game progressed.
Yet, a lapse in marking during a corner almost proved costly, as Allan lost track of Danilo and Bruno Fuchs struggled to cover. Palmeiras might also highlight that Flamengo midfielder Eric Palgar escaped a red card for a reckless foul on Fuchs just before halftime. Nevertheless, Flamengo was undoubtedly the superior side in this decisive match, deserving their victory.
With center-forward Pedro sidelined by injury and his intended replacement Gonzalo Plata suspended, Flamengo’s attacking lineup was weakened, likely bolstering Palmeiras’ confidence in defense. It is fitting that the pivotal goal came from a defender; Danilo possesses vast experience and versatility, a key asset that has kept him in Brazil’s squad according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Flamengo’s manager, Filipe Luis, can probably relate to Danilo. After transitioning from player to youth coach two years ago, he swiftly moved up to oversee the senior team after their exit from the 2024 Libertadores. Although this tournament run was unexpected, Flamengo is typically known for their fluid, high-scoring play, with earlier encounters seeing them outscore Palmeiras 74 to 60 in the league.
However, the continental competition presented a different challenge. While Palmeiras scored 30 goals, Flamengo only managed to play 13 matches, facing setbacks in the group stage and advancing only through penalties in the quarterfinals. Yet, they navigated their way to a historic fourth Libertadores title, becoming the first Brazilian team to achieve this milestone.
And the season is not over yet; Flamengo aims to clinch the Brazilian title at home in Rio’s Maracanã Stadium. Should they falter, they’ll have another shot on Sunday before heading to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup against Mexico’s Cruz Azul. Victorious there, they will then face Paris Saint-Germain before a brief rest leading into the next Brazilian league season starting in late January.
The cycle never ends, leaving one to ponder whether the overall quality of play might improve with some well-deserved breaks.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the incredible achievements of Brazilian clubs in the continental arena, showcasing both their dominance and the intense pressure faced by players. The evolution of Flamengo and Palmeiras reflects the ever-increasing competitive landscape of South American football, setting the stage for thrilling matches ahead.
