Two of South America’s most storied clubs are one step from glory, while outsiders from Ecuador and Argentina look to crash the all-Brazilian party. The 2025 Copa Libertadores semifinals kick off on Wednesday, with Brazil’s Flamengo hosting Argentina’s Racing Club. On Thursday, Ecuador’s LDU Quito welcomes Brazil’s Palmeiras for the first leg of their tie. The biggest question in South American football right now — will we get an all-Brazilian final?
Flamengo Defeats Palmeiras in Weekend Brasileiro Clash
At the Maracanã, Flamengo edged Palmeiras 3-2 on Sunday, pulling level on points in the Brasileiro after 28 games. Both teams sit four points clear of third-place Cruzeiro, with a game in hand.
The matchup of Brazilian giants delivered fireworks early, as Flamengo jumped out to a 3-1 first-half lead. Pedro notched a goal and an assist, while Jorginho converted from the spot. Vitor Roque struck for Palmeiras, and Gustavo Gómez added a late goal in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
Palmeiras continues to struggle in this head-to-head in recent years, as Argentine goalkeeper Agustín Rossi produced seven saves to secure the victory for Flamengo. With ten matches remaining in the season, both clubs look set for a thrilling title chase down the stretch.
LDU Quito Must Capitalize on Home Field to Pull an Upset
Since their win over São Paulo in the Libertadores quarterfinals, LDU Quito remain unbeaten, highlighted by a commanding 3-0 victory over rivals Barcelona SC on the 17th. LDU took advantage of a second-half red card to score twice with a man advantage.
Chilean midfielder Fernando Cornejo will miss the first leg through suspension, while veteran Argentine Lisandro Alzugaray leads the attack. Bolivian midfielder Gabriel Villamil, just 24, has impressed with six goals and an assist across all competitions.
For heavily favored Palmeiras, key figures include Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gómez, 20-year-old Roque, and Argentine international striker José “Flaco” López, who has seven goals in this year’s Libertadores. Midfielder Mauricio, 24, has also been influential, providing goal creating creativity and consistency in both tournaments.
Quito enters as clear underdogs and must secure a positive result at altitude to keep their hopes alive. Palmeiras will look to impose themselves early and take firm control of the tie.
Racing Club Carries Argentine Hopes
Traveling to the Maracanã is always daunting, and Racing Club arrives under pressure. They were eliminated from the Copa Argentina by River Plate and have gone 2-2-1 since reaching the Libertadores semifinals, though both wins have come in their last two outings.
Currently sixth in Group A of the LFP table, Racing have an even record of wins and losses. Midfielder Santiago Solari remains central to their play, while striker Adrián Martínez has seven Libertadores goals. Another player to watch is 25-year-old Uruguayan defender Gastón Torres.
Flamengo, meanwhile, are 3-1-1 since advancing on penalties past Estudiantes. Their squad is star-studded — Jorginho, former Atlético Madrid man Samuel Lino, and Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has contributed two goals and two assists in his last five games. Pedro, 28, leads the line with 12 goals and six assists in domestic play. Heading into this week, an all-Brazilian final appears a strong possibility.
Previewing the Copa Sudamericana Semifinals
The Copa Sudamericana semifinals feature Universidad de Chile against Argentina’s Lanús on Wednesday, while Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle (IDV) host Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro on Tuesday. Three nations — Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador — aim to place a finalist in both of South America’s major competitions in 2025.
Universidad de Chile defeated Palestino in their most recent domestic outing and haven’t lost since falling to Colo Colo in August. Striker Lucas Assadi has five Sudamericana goals, while 36-year-old Charles Aránguiz continues to provide leadership. The Chilean side will play their home leg without fans against a red-hot Lanús team unbeaten since September and riding a three-match domestic winning streak. Lanús leads Group B in Argentina’s LFP, with 35-year-old Eduardo Salvio a key attacking threat. With their current form, Lanús should be favored to advance.
Veteran Core Drives Independiente del Valle
Independiente del Valle dominate the Ecuadorian Liga Ecuabet, sitting 15 points clear of LDU Quito with just eight games remaining. Claudio Spinelli and 34-year-old Michael Hoyos each have three Sudamericana goals, while 33-year-old Argentine defender Richard Hernán Schunke anchors a disciplined back line. For a club known for youth development, this season’s success has been fueled by experienced veterans.
Atlético Mineiro, on the other hand, sit 15th in Brazil’s domestic table, only five points above the relegation zone. The ageless Hulk, 39, remains the star. Ecuadorian midfielder Alan Franco, now with Mineiro, will face his former club IDV. Mineiro are just 2-2-2 since reaching the semifinals, IDV will fancy their chances of returning to another continental final — though everything remains in play over these two legs. With four nations still in contention across both tournaments, South American football’s depth and drama are once again on full display.
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