Danilo’s historic goal in the Libertadores final is similar to Rondinelli’s goal in Carioca in 1978

Corner kick taken by the team’s number 10 player. Perfect header from a defender inside the area. Title goal against a top competitor. Danilo, on Saturday, against Palmeiras, for Libertadores, repeats the scenario that Rondinelli implemented in 1978, against Vasco, for Carioca, a title that opened the doors to the stage of victories for this generation.

See the full list: Filipe Luis, from Flamengo, is the ninth to win the Libertadores title as a player and coach.
Awards: With the title, Flamengo closes the Libertadores Championship with prize money amounting to 177 million Brazilian reals; Palmeiras deputy earns 91 million Brazilian reals

In the Libertadores final this year, Arascaeta executed the corner kick in the 21st minute of the second half and found Danilo, who ran alone through the area, until he found the net that was defended by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.

In addition to the victory over Alverde, the team that beat Flamengo in the final of the 2021 competition, Danilo’s goal was the first not scored by Zico or Gabigol in the Libertadores final.

Flamengo and Palmeiras players see the ball headed by Danilo enter the goal - Photograph: Connie FRANCE / AFP — Flamengo and Palmeiras players see the ball headed by Danilo enter the goal – Photograph: Connie FRANCE / AFP

In 1978, the corner was taken by Zico. Rondinelli came from behind, ran alone, and broke through Vasco da Gama’s defence.

That Carioca Championship was the first title of the victory phase for the red and black team, which played more than 50 matches without losing, a trio of Carioca, in addition to three Brazilians, one Libertadores and one Club World Cup.

Rondinelli, Flamengo's number 3, watches the ball reach the Maracana net – Photo: Eurico Dantas / Agência O Globo / 03-12-1978 — Rondinelli, Flamengo’s number 3, watches the ball reach the Maracana net – Photo: Eurico Dantas / Agência O Globo / 03-12-1978

With this title, on Saturday, Flamengo becomes the first Brazilian team to win the South American competition four times (1981, 2019, 2022 and 2025), in addition to the equal number of titles between Brazilian and Argentinian clubs: 25 for each team.