Flamengo's Danilo scores the winning header against Palmeiras in the 2025 Copa Libertadores final at Estadio Monumental.
Flamengo's Danilo scores the winning header against Palmeiras in the 2025 Copa Libertadores final at Estadio Monumental.
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Flamengo defeats Palmeiras to win fourth Copa Libertadores

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Flamengo clinched the 2025 Copa Libertadores title with a 1-0 victory over Palmeiras in the final at Lima's Estadio Monumental. Danilo's header in the 67th minute secured the win for the Rio de Janeiro side, now the most successful Brazilian club with four titles. Chilean midfielder Erick Pulgar, a starter, dodged an early red card and helped secure the triumph.

The 2025 Copa Libertadores final took place on November 29 at Lima's Estadio Monumental, which holds 80,000 spectators, and started 15 minutes late due to traffic issues delaying Palmeiras' arrival. The first half was subdued, with few attacking chances and a focus on mutual marking. Flamengo pushed more, highlighted by Bruno Henrique's high shot in the 14th minute, while Palmeiras defended with five players and struggled to build from midfield.

At the 32nd minute, Chilean Erick Pulgar committed a harsh foul on Bruno Fuchs—a reckless tackle without the ball that warranted a red—but Argentine referee Darío Herrera issued only a yellow, and VAR did not intervene. Pulgar, who won the title in 2022, stayed on alongside Jorginho. The second half opened up, with Flamengo taking control. In the 51st, De Arrascaeta nearly scored after Murilo's error.

The decisive goal came at 67: De Arrascaeta delivered a corner, and Danilo headed home unmarked at the penalty spot, beating Carlos Miguel for 1-0. Palmeiras responded with Abel Ferreira's substitutions but squandered a clear chance in the 88th when Vitor Roque blazed over Agustín Rossi's goal. Five minutes of added time were played, but Flamengo held firm.

This marks Flamengo's fourth title (1981, 2019, 2022, 2025), ahead of Palmeiras, São Paulo, Grêmio, and Santos (three each). Brazil secured its seventh straight win and 25th overall, matching Argentina. Independiente leads with seven. Flamengo advances to the Intercontinental Cup, 2026 Recopa against Lanús, and Club World Cup. Colo-Colo remains Chile's sole winner (1991).

What people are saying

Flamengo supporters on X jubilantly celebrate their fourth Copa Libertadores title, crediting Danilo's header and historic status as Brazil's top winner; Palmeiras fans voice outrage over Erick Pulgar's dodged red card and claims of referee favoritism by Argentine officials; neutral posts note the tense 1-0 final in Lima and Pulgar's key role.

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