- Fluminense-Palmeiras and Estudiantes-Flamengo will be the two CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Semi-final ties.
- Brazil will have three representatives and Argentina one in the next stage, which will feature four clubs that have all previously lifted the continental title.
The CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 now has its four Semi-finalists. The Quarter-final second legs produced a succession of thrilling finishes: goals that changed the course of ties, a dramatic comeback that forced a penalty shootout and an away victory that was preserved until the final play.
Fluminense, Palmeiras, Estudiantes and Flamengo came through those tests and remain in contention for a place in the Final on 28 November in Montevideo. All four know what it means to lift the trophy and will now look for another opportunity to conquer ‘Eternal Glory’.
Platense 2-1 Fluminense (2-3 on aggregate)
Fluminense had to endure a demanding night in Vicente López to secure their place in the next round. After winning 2-0 at the Maracanã, Marcão’s side came up against a Platense team determined to extend their historic maiden appearance in the competition. Goals from Guido Mainero and Bruno Sepúlveda gave ‘El Calamar’ a 2-0 lead before half-time and temporarily levelled the tie on aggregate.
The ‘Tricolor’ responded in the second half: Agustín Canobbio converted an assist from Hulk, who proved decisive in the tie, to score the goal that ultimately settled the contest. With Fábio also playing a key role, Fluminense held firm and, despite the 2-1 defeat, progressed 3-2 on aggregate. The 2023 champions will face Palmeiras for a place in the Final.
Liga de Quito 3-2 Palmeiras (3-3, 3-4 on penalties)
Palmeiras once again came through a high-pressure decider against Liga de Quito. After winning 1-0 in Brazil, Abel Ferreira’s side were beaten 3-2 at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado, where two stoppage-time goals from Michael Estrada transformed a tie that had appeared to be under the ‘Verdão’s’ control and sent the contest to penalties.
That was when Carlos Miguel stepped up. The goalkeeper saved efforts from Lucas Rodríguez and Luis Segovia and proved decisive in the 4-3 shootout victory. Palmeiras recovered from the late setback and kept alive their hopes of returning to the Final. The next challenge for Abel Ferreira’s side will be Fluminense, in a tie that guarantees a Brazilian team a place in Montevideo.
Corinthians 0-1 Estudiantes (1-2 on aggregate)
Estudiantes added another memorable night to their continental history in São Paulo. After the 1-1 draw in La Plata, Alexander Medina’s side defeated Corinthians 1-0 at the Neo Química Arena thanks to a late intervention from Alexis Castro in the 88th minute: the midfielder volleyed home a cross from Tomás Palacios and found the net once again, having also scored in the first leg.
There was still one final test to overcome. A handball by Leandro González Pirez gave Corinthians a penalty in the closing stages, but Memphis Depay sent his effort over the crossbar. ‘El Pincha’ therefore sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory and returned to the Semi-finals for the first time since 2009, when they won the most recent of their four titles. Flamengo will be their next opponents.
Flamengo 1-1 Independiente del Valle (3-1 on aggregate)
Flamengo completed the Semi-final line-up after drawing 1-1 with Independiente del Valle at the Maracanã. Their 2-0 victory in Ecuador gave the Brazilian side a valuable advantage heading into the second leg, but Djorkaeff Reasco’s goal and Jorginho’s subsequent dismissal created an uncertain scenario for the hosts.
Down to ten men and with their opponents pushing for the goal that would level the tie, Giorgian de Arrascaeta stepped up to settle the night. The Uruguayan took advantage of a long ball from Agustín Rossi and a misjudged intervention by goalkeeper Aldair Quintana to head home the equaliser. The 3-1 aggregate score confirmed Flamengo’s place in the Semi-finals, where they will face Estudiantes in a rematch of their 2025 encounter.
