- The first legs of the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores Quarter-finals produced a series of decisive performances: meet the players named in the Team of the Week.
- Fluminense and Corinthians provide three players each, while Flamengo and Palmeiras have two representatives apiece, with Estudiantes completing the XI.
The CONMEBOL Libertadores Quarter-finals began with goals, saves and standout performances that shaped the opening matches of the ties. Fluminense, Palmeiras and Flamengo secured first-leg advantages, while Estudiantes and Corinthians drew in La Plata to leave their contest wide open.
The Team of the Week, presented by EA SPORTS FC, brings together 11 of the standout performers from the first battle for a place among the continent’s final four. Lining up with three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards, these are the players selected.
Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
He was crucial in helping the ‘Timão’ return from La Plata with a draw. He denied Alexis Castro as Estudiantes pushed to extend their lead and, late on, kept out a Joaquín Correa header that could have changed the outcome. He finished with five saves, matching the best tally by a Corinthians goalkeeper in a Copa knockout match since 2013.
Léo Pereira (Flamengo)
He scored a crucial goal to extend the defending champions’ advantage in Quito. In the 75th minute, he headed home Flamengo’s second in the 2-0 victory over Independiente del Valle, giving the ‘Mengão’ a valuable cushion ahead of the return leg at the Maracanã.
Thiago Silva (Fluminense)
His experience once again proved invaluable for the ‘Tricolor’. He was part of the defence that kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Platense and was one of the team’s leading figures as they managed the advantage established during the first half.
Agustín Giay (Palmeiras)
Decisive at both ends of the pitch. He headed home the only goal against LDU Quito, the first of his Palmeiras career, before later preventing José Carabalí from finishing into an unguarded net. It was an unforgettable night for the Argentine full-back in his 98th appearance for the club.
Alexis Castro (Estudiantes)
He needed just four minutes to put the ‘Pincha’ ahead. Castro reacted quickest to a rebound inside the six-yard box and opened the scoring against Corinthians. Shortly afterwards, he went close again, only to be denied by Hugo Souza.
Rodrigo Garro (Corinthians)
The captain’s creativity was central to Fernando Diniz’s side’s response. His defence-splitting pass released Kaio César for the equaliser and took his tally to five assists in the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores, the most of any player in the competition.
Nonato (Fluminense)
He set Fluminense on their way to victory at the Maracanã. After receiving a pass from Hulk, he drove forward in possession and finished through the legs of Juan Pablo Cozzani to make it 1-0 against Platense. His run from midfield proved the breakthrough the match needed.
Jhon Arias (Palmeiras)
He was one of the driving forces behind Abel Ferreira’s attack. Arias was heavily involved in the build-up, tested Gonzalo Valle and created six chances, the most by a Palmeiras player in a Copa knockout match since July 2021.
Bruno Henrique (Flamengo)
He stepped up to change the course of the match in Quito. After Flamengo had failed to register a shot in the first half, he met Samuel Lino’s cross to open the scoring in the 61st minute. His goal set the defending champions on the path to an exceptionally efficient victory.
Hulk (Fluminense)
A goal and an assist proved decisive against Platense. He first set up Nonato before, ten minutes later, receiving a pass from Ganso and firing a left-footed shot across goal. His quality was instrumental in establishing Fluminense’s 2-0 advantage.
Kaio César (Corinthians)
He scored the equaliser that left the tie against Estudiantes finely poised. Kaio César found space to receive Garro’s pass and guided his finish towards the far post beyond Fernando Muslera. A composed finish at a crucial moment for the ‘Timão’.
