- The second legs of the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores Quarter-finals delivered decisive goals, standout performances and thrilling finishes: meet the players who made the Team of the Week.
- Palmeiras and Estudiantes contribute three players each, while Independiente del Valle, Flamengo, Platense, Liga de Quito and Fluminense complete the XI.
The CONMEBOL Libertadores now has its four Semi-finalists. Fluminense, Palmeiras, Estudiantes and Flamengo came through their respective ties in a week in which they had to battle until the very end to keep alive their hopes of conquering ‘The Eternal Glory’.
The Team of the Week, presented by EA SPORTS FC, recognises eleven standout performers from the Quarter-final second legs. Featuring three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards, the line-up brings together players from seven clubs who made their mark in the decisive matches of the knockout ties.
Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)
He delivered when the pressure was at its highest. After Liga de Quito’s dramatic comeback, he saved efforts from Lucas Rodríguez and Luis Segovia in the penalty shootout that sent the ‘Verdão’ through. He became only the second Palmeiras goalkeeper to save two penalties in the same CONMEBOL Libertadores shootout, after Marcos.
Mateo Carabajal (Independiente del Valle)
He was part of the Ecuadorian side’s defence that caused the reigning champions plenty of problems at the Maracanã. Independiente del Valle held on to their lead until the closing stages and kept their hopes of turning the tie around alive. Flamengo’s equaliser ended that possibility, but the defender still earned his place among the week’s standout performers.
Tomás Palacios (Estudiantes)
His contribution was decisive at both ends of the pitch. In addition to being part of the defence that kept a clean sheet in São Paulo, he pushed forward down the left and delivered the cross that Alexis Castro converted into the goal that secured qualification. It was a crucial assist with only three minutes of regulation time remaining. Although he usually excels at centre-back, he also impressed at left-back.
Eros Mancuso (Estudiantes)
He played his part in a defensive display that restricted Corinthians’ opportunities on home soil. The ‘Pincha’ allowed just three shots from inside the box, including the penalty in the final play of the match, and built from that resilience to secure a victory that took them back to the Semi-finals. His attacking presence also remains an important part of his game.
Alexis Castro (Estudiantes)
He scored against Corinthians once again, but this time his goal secured qualification. In the 42nd minute of the second half, he met Tomás Palacios’ cross with a superb volley to make it 1-0. After also scoring in La Plata, the midfielder finished the tie having netted both of Estudiantes’ goals.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
He came off the bench to turn around a difficult night, the kind of impact that has become a recurring theme throughout his career. With Flamengo behind and down to ten men, he latched onto a long ball from Agustín Rossi and headed home the equaliser in the 38th minute of the second half. His introduction secured the reigning champions’ place in the Semi-finals and once again underlined his influence in decisive matches.
Marlon Freitas (Palmeiras)
He opened the scoring in Quito after pouncing on a series of rebounds in the ninth minute. His run into the box allowed Palmeiras to extend the advantage they had built in Brazil and also brought him his first CONMEBOL Libertadores goal, in his 34th appearance in the competition.
Guido Mainero (Platense)
A key figure in so many historic moments for the club, his goal and assist kept the ‘Calamar’ dreaming. He first opened the scoring with a right-footed finish before delivering the cross that Bruno Sepúlveda headed home to temporarily level the tie. He was the main attacking figure in a victory that was not enough to secure qualification, but which put Fluminense under pressure and prompted the home supporters to applaud their team off the pitch.
Vitor Roque (Palmeiras)
He needed less than six minutes on the pitch to score. After coming on in the second half, he converted a penalty to restore Palmeiras’ advantage in Quito. His contribution from the bench proved crucial in a tie that was ultimately decided from the penalty spot.
Michael Estrada (Liga de Quito)
He inspired one of the most remarkable comebacks of the Quarter-finals. With two goals in added time, the first after a rebound and the second with a header, he wiped out Palmeiras’ advantage and sent the tie to penalties. Although Liga were eventually eliminated, his brace kept their hopes alive until the very last moment.
Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense)
He stepped up when Fluminense needed him most. With Platense two goals ahead and the tie level on aggregate, he received a pass from Hulk, cut inside the box and finished right-footed into the far corner. The goal restored the ‘Tricolor’s’ aggregate lead and ultimately proved to be the strike that sent them through to the Semi-finals.
