Lima is witnessing a hostile atmosphere between Palmeiras and Flamengo fans before the Libertadores final

Lima – Palmeiras and Flamengo decide another final Libertadores In an atmosphere of competition much greater than it was four years ago, when they were also competitors in the continental decision.

The rivalry on and off the pitch, with titles decided in recent years, bosses’ provocations, and fighting between fans in 2023, is such that we see a more hostile environment compared to 2021, in Montevideo, when Palmeiras and Flamengo fans provoked each other, but lived in harmony before that final.

This year, three days before the decision was made, a fight had already been recorded in the Peruvian capital. A Flamengo fan punched a Palmeiras fan in Miraflores, one of the city’s most important neighborhoods.

“I saw the fighting nearby. I didn’t understand why they were fighting,” says Rosa, a Peruvian crafts vendor, who offered keychains, stuffed llamas and alpacas to tourists passing by the Miraflores waterfront, near Parque do Amor, one of Lima’s top tourist attractions, due to its famous “El Beso” statue by Peruvian artist Victor Delfin and its view of the Pacific Ocean.

The leafy, bohemian neighborhood of Miraflores became a stronghold for the red and black fans, who filled the Pizza Street, an area famous for its bars and restaurants, to watch the match against Atletico Mineiro. They ended happily with a draw that did not guarantee the Brazilian title, but it brought the team closer to the cup.

The Flamengo delegation itself is staying in a hotel in Miraflores. The athletes and technical staff arrived in the city on Wednesday evening.

Palmeiras chose to reside in San Isidro, an area known for its modern buildings housing banks, companies and embassies. The delegation has been in Lima since Wednesday afternoon.

Although the majority of fans get along without problems in Lima, Palmeiras fans, a minority in the city, try to walk together when they wear uniforms. This is the main recommendation expressed in WhatsApp groups for Palmeiras residents. “We are paying more attention,” said fan Caio Sequeira, who traveled from Sao Paulo. In the group, they are also reinforced to check a spreadsheet showing where Palmeiras fans are located in the Peruvian capital and the meeting points for sides to support the team.

Larcomar, a well-known shopping center in front of a valley overlooking the sea, gathered fans of both teams, who provoked each other in a healthy way. Groups of people from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro chanted in front of restaurants on the touristy street of Miraflores.

About 60,000 fans are expected to attend the Monumental de Lima stadium, which will host the unique Libertadores final for the second time. Flamengo fans have already sold out their tickets.