Flamengo Advances Semifinals Copa Libertadores Facing Racing

Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Palmeiras continue their strong tradition in the Copa Libertadores, with Flamengo reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2022 after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata. Flamengo's goalkeeper Agustin Rossi was pivotal, saving crucial penalties to secure their advancement, and the team will next face Racing Club, another Argentine side, in a two-legged semifinal beginning in late October. Meanwhile, Ecuador's LDU Quito defeated São Paulo 1-0 in Brazil to advance with a 3-0 aggregate and will face Palmeiras, who convincingly eliminated River Plate, in the other semifinal matchup. LDU's semifinal appearance marks their first since winning the title in 2008, while Palmeiras and Flamengo remain the dominant Brazilian forces in recent Libertadores history. The semifinals feature a mix of Brazilian, Argentine, and Ecuadorian clubs, with the final scheduled for November 29 in Lima. Flamengo's victory over Estudiantes, despite losing the second leg, highlights their resilience and positions them as strong contenders for their third Libertadores title in the last decade.