- Palmeiras secured a 2-1 victory over Fluminense at the Maracanã and will host the return leg, while Estudiantes and Flamengo played out a goalless draw in La Plata.
- The return legs on 21 and 22 October will determine the two teams that will compete for ‘Eternal Glory’ at the Estadio Centenario on 28 November.
The first legs of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Semi-finals are complete, leaving both ties finely poised. Palmeiras claimed an advantage in Rio de Janeiro, although a stoppage-time goal kept Fluminense within touching distance. In La Plata, Estudiantes and Flamengo were unable to break the deadlock, leaving everything to be decided in Brazil.
All four contenders remain hopeful of reaching Montevideo. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will provide the final stops on the road to the Final: ninety minutes will decide which two teams earn another chance to lift the continent's most coveted trophy.
Fluminense 1-2 Palmeiras
Palmeiras relied on defensive solidity and quick transitions to secure victory at the Maracanã. Abel Ferreira's side opened the scoring with their first attempt on goal: in the 45th minute of the first half, José Manuel López connected with a delivery from Joaquín Piquerez to make it 1-0. Fluminense enjoyed more possession, but the ‘Verdão’ held firm thanks to a series of saves from Carlos Miguel and struck again five minutes from time, when Marlon Freitas capitalised on a headed assist from Felipe Anderson.
The ‘Tricolor’ responded in stoppage time. Youngster Wesley Natã headed home a cross from Guga to pull one back and keep Marcão's side firmly in contention. Palmeiras became the first visiting team to defeat Fluminense in a knockout match in the competition and will look to seal qualification on Wednesday, 21 October, at NuBank Parque. ‘Flu’ will need a victory to keep their hopes alive.
Estudiantes 0-0 Flamengo
Estudiantes and Flamengo played out a tight contest with few clear-cut chances at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi. The ‘Pincha’ looked to impose their intensity from the outset and forced Agustín Rossi into an early save, but the defending champions gradually took control of possession. The Argentine side relied on direct play, crosses and set pieces to find Guido Carrillo, their main attacking threat, but were unable to break the deadlock.
The substitutions failed to change the scoreline, leaving qualification to be decided on Thursday, 22 October, at the Maracanã. Alexander Medina's side will look to pull off an away victory, while Leonardo Jardim's team will aim to make home advantage count as they seek a return to the Final. The return leg will also put a remarkable shared record on the line: both clubs have progressed from all four two-legged Semi-finals they have contested in CONMEBOL Libertadores history. Only one can preserve that perfect record.
