Brazil's grip on the Copa Libertadores continues as two of its top teams, Palmeiras and Flamengo, face off in the continental final at Lima's Monumental Stadium. The winner will claim their eighth title since 2014, with Brazil dominating the tournament for the past nine years.
Flamengo currently leads Palmeiras by five points in the Brazilian Serie A table, having finished second last season behind Botafogo, who won both the domestic league and the Copa Libertadores. Both teams also made it to the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, with Flamengo coming from behind to beat Argentina's Racing Club 2-1 on penalties after a scoreless draw.
Palmeiras' journey to the final was marked by an impressive comeback against Ecuador's Liga Deportiva in the semifinals. Raphael Veiga scored twice and helped his team overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit with a 4-0 victory. Abel Ferreira's side won all six of their group stage matches, while seeing off Argentina's River Plate in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Flamengo reached the final after holding on to a 1-0 lead against Racing Club despite playing most of the second half with 10 men following Gonzalo Plata's red card. They had previously needed penalties to beat Estudiantes of Argentina in the quarterfinals.
The two teams have a rich history in the tournament, with Palmeiras having won three titles and Flamengo claiming four. However, Flamengo hold the edge in their head-to-head record, winning 16 times against Palmeiras' 15 victories.
Palmeiras are without midfielder Figueiredo due to a cruciate ligament injury, while forward Lucas Evangelista misses out with a thigh problem. Former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho is also ruled out by a shin injury. However, Weverton's return from a fractured hand has not been entirely ruled out after his recent training sessions.
Flamengo are without Gonzalo Plata and Pedro due to suspension and injury respectively. Henrique scored a late equaliser in their most recent league match against Atletico Mineiro and is pushing for a start against Palmeiras.
The Copa Libertadores final promises to be an intense encounter between two of Brazil's top teams, with the winner claiming bragging rights and the coveted continental trophy.
Flamengo currently leads Palmeiras by five points in the Brazilian Serie A table, having finished second last season behind Botafogo, who won both the domestic league and the Copa Libertadores. Both teams also made it to the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, with Flamengo coming from behind to beat Argentina's Racing Club 2-1 on penalties after a scoreless draw.
Palmeiras' journey to the final was marked by an impressive comeback against Ecuador's Liga Deportiva in the semifinals. Raphael Veiga scored twice and helped his team overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit with a 4-0 victory. Abel Ferreira's side won all six of their group stage matches, while seeing off Argentina's River Plate in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Flamengo reached the final after holding on to a 1-0 lead against Racing Club despite playing most of the second half with 10 men following Gonzalo Plata's red card. They had previously needed penalties to beat Estudiantes of Argentina in the quarterfinals.
The two teams have a rich history in the tournament, with Palmeiras having won three titles and Flamengo claiming four. However, Flamengo hold the edge in their head-to-head record, winning 16 times against Palmeiras' 15 victories.
Palmeiras are without midfielder Figueiredo due to a cruciate ligament injury, while forward Lucas Evangelista misses out with a thigh problem. Former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho is also ruled out by a shin injury. However, Weverton's return from a fractured hand has not been entirely ruled out after his recent training sessions.
Flamengo are without Gonzalo Plata and Pedro due to suspension and injury respectively. Henrique scored a late equaliser in their most recent league match against Atletico Mineiro and is pushing for a start against Palmeiras.
The Copa Libertadores final promises to be an intense encounter between two of Brazil's top teams, with the winner claiming bragging rights and the coveted continental trophy.