- The CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 semi-final first legs delivered important goals, unforgettable finishes, outstanding performances and players who stepped up for their teams. Meet the Team of the Week.
- Palmeiras and Flamengo contribute four players each, while Estudiantes have two representatives and Fluminense have one.
The ‘Eternal Glory’ is moving towards the Grand Final, which will take place on Saturday 28 November at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Fluminense, Palmeiras, Estudiantes and Flamengo are all dreaming of lifting the continent’s most prestigious trophy.
The Team of the Week, presented by EA SPORTS FC, recognises eleven players who stood out in the semi-final first legs. Featuring four defenders, five midfielders and one forward, the selection brings together standout performers from the four clubs who began this latest stage of the competition.
Agustín Rossi (Flamengo)
The Argentine goalkeeper was crucial in helping Flamengo keep a clean sheet away to Estudiantes in La Plata. Having impressed when the two sides met in last season’s quarter-finals, Rossi showed he is ready for the biggest moments. He kept the reigning champions in the game when they needed him most, saving a dangerous long-range effort from Baltasar Rodríguez and holding on to Guido Carrillo’s header to emerge as one of the night’s standout performers.
Guga (Fluminense)
If the Rio de Janeiro side still have hope ahead of the return leg, much of it is down to Guga’s contribution. As the match approached its conclusion, the right-back pushed forward and set up Wesley Natã’s goal, allowing the hosts to pull one back and travel to São Paulo just one goal behind on aggregate.
Santiago Núñez (Estudiantes)
The Pincha centre-back provided solidity and security, helping his side record their third clean sheet in their last three knockout-stage matches. He partnered Ramiro Funes Mori at centre-back for the first time in the competition and put in an authoritative display to protect Muslera and keep Estudiantes’ dream alive.
Léo Ortiz (Flamengo)
The centre-back entered the first semi-final with a major task: keeping Guido Carrillo, Estudiantes de La Plata’s all-time leading scorer in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, quiet. He did that and more. Ortiz brought experience and leadership to a defence that showed no uncertainty and offered very few openings.
Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras)
The Uruguayan left-back was instrumental in the opening goal of the semi-final first leg. After a driving run down the left in the closing moments of the first half, he picked out Jose Manuel López, who scored Palmeiras’ opener in their 2-1 win over Fluminense. Piquerez was also a defensive mainstay, helping the São Paulo side keep a clean sheet until almost the end of the match.
Jorge Carrascal (Flamengo)
The talented Colombian midfielder once again proved a game-changing presence for Mengão and one of the main attacking threats to trouble Estudiantes’ defence. With Giorgian de Arrascaeta sidelined through injury, Carrascal took on the creative responsibility for the reigning CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.
Marlon Freitas (Palmeiras)
The Brazilian midfielder’s strong performances have gone from being a surprise to a regular feature of Abel Ferreira’s system. He brings energy and tireless running to last season’s runners-up. Against Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, he scored the visitors’ second goal with five minutes of normal time remaining, securing Palmeiras’ win in the first of the two semi-final legs.
Lucas Evangelista (Palmeiras)
The experienced midfielder formed an effective partnership with Marlon Freitas in the centre of the pitch, providing vital support for the team. They weathered the early pressure when required before stepping up to win the ball back, build through possession and give the Verdão greater balance.
Ezequiel Piovi (Estudiantes)
A true all-rounder. With courage, tenacity and determination, he set the tempo in the Pincha midfield during a demanding first-leg encounter against Flamengo, the reigning champions of the ‘Eternal Glory’, in La Plata. He battled in the middle of the park while also dropping back to help the defence in critical situations and making his presence felt in attack.
Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
The talented and versatile Brazilian attacker produced some excellent moments during Flamengo’s visit to Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina. He was replaced by Joaquín Freitas in the 85th minute, but while on the pitch he remained a constant threat to the León defence. Dribbling, quick thinking and composure were the qualities that stood out in the goalless first leg.
José Manuel López (Palmeiras)
Flaco, the top scorer in the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores, stepped up when Palmeiras needed him most. Late in the first half, he finished confidently to put his side ahead in what would become a 2-1 away win for last season’s runners-up. The Argentine forward has refined his strengths, added new dimensions to his game and developed into a complete player. He is now Palmeiras’ main attacking reference as the São Paulo side look to eliminate Fluminense and reach another Final.
