Danilo leaps, passes a header that in slow motion could have been the start of a Netflix documentary, and the monument in Lima becomes, once again, as it was six years ago, the stage of glory for Flamengo. More glory: If it was the second against River, it is now the fourth. Progress progresses very quickly and finds almost no resemblance. Palmeiras may be the only contender, but they lost yesterday, and in the coming days they may finish second in the Brazilian League, which Flamengo is also one step away from winning. So much glory for so little time.
Under the Lima sky dreamed of by Gustavo Costas and so many Racing fans, with a full Monumental, Flamengo showed once again why – when history calls for titles – they are a Brazilian legend. With a header from Danilo after a corner kick from Giorgian De Arrascaeta in the second half, Mingão beat Palmeiras 1-0 and became American champions.
This goal was not a coincidence. It was a very close and even final, which Flamengo were able to achieve all the better because of their spirit, ambition and football. He controlled the ball when he had to, got deep down the flanks, pressed high and closed down spaces in defence.
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For Palmeiras, the introduction was bitter. Verdão’s side arrived in Lima with a recent history of international success, with the momentum they gained in the semi-final against the Quito League, where they trailed 3-0 in the first leg, and 4-0 in their favor in the second leg.
But in the final, a combined Flamengo side played their best cards.
For Flamengo, this title is more than just a cup: it is the fourth Libertadores title in its history. A new chapter in its rich tradition. Revenge was decided in 2021, when Palmeiras lifted the cup after defeating them in the final.
Success, like all success and like all failure, has its own names: Danilo, the historic goal scorer, is the man of the occasion, backed by an incredible personal story. Arrascaeta, with his mastery of the key pass and his idol-logo lineage, is the only one in all of this recent history. Agustín Rossi, who shows up when called upon and always responds to a need, has his place, especially since in nine out of 13 matches in this edition of the Libertadores they have been unable to score goals.
And undoubtedly the other name of that glory was on the bench: Filipe Luis, who, in just 14 months at the helm, has built a winning, balanced and enterprising Flamengo.
Personalities such as Samuel Leno and Bruno Henrique also appeared, who provided offensive freshness and commitment until the end to achieve the fourth Libertadores title in history and the third in six years, and the title that distinguishes them from the rest of the Brazilian clubs (which equaled the Argentinean in the number of titles).
The continent has a new king, and he wears a red and black crown.
A fan died a day ago
A Brazilian Palmeiras fan died in the Peruvian city of Lima while traveling on a tour bus in the run-up to the Copa Libertadores final, which Flamengo won.
Sao Paulo FC announced the sad news through a statement: “Paleiras deeply regrets the death of Cao fan Brunelli Dezoti, 38, who was in Lima, Peru, to watch the Conmebol Libertadores final. According to local authorities, a Palmeiras fan was involved in an accident while traveling on a tour bus. We express our solidarity with Cao’s family and friends in this moment of pain and sadness.”
The fan was at the head of the transport with other people when he was fatally struck in the head.