Carlos Miguel, goalkeeper of The match decides the continental champion and could mark the 27-year-old player’s entry into the club’s history with just 11 matches played. Weverton’s injury, with a crack in the bone in his right hand, accelerated the opportunity for the reinforcement hired in August for 5.5 million euros.

Palmeiras reached the decision after eliminating LDU in the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate win, while Flamengo beat Racing Club 1-0 on the overall score. Ambos the teams are looking for their fourth South American championship, in a duel that recalls the 2021 final, won by Verdão 2-1.

Palmeiras’s campaign in the competition included unbeaten victories in the group stage, with six victories, and eliminations of River Plate in the quarter-finals. Carlos Miguel, 2.04m tall, played just 28 professional games before arriving at the club, passing through Corinthians and Nottingham Forest, from Inglaterra.

• Highlights of the trajectory of Carlos Miguel in Palmeiras:
• They debuted against Flamengo, in October, with a 3-2 defeat.
• Six clean sheets in the next eight.
• Decisive defenses against Juventude in Brasileirão.

The investment in the goalkeeper reflects the club’s vision of preparing him as the successor to Weverton, aged 37, whose contract runs until 2026.

Accelerated trajectory from Carlos Miguel to Verdão

The arrival of Carlos Miguel to Palmeiras in August transformed initial expectations into immediate reality. Contratado as an option for 2026, the goalkeeper took over the goal after Weverton’s injury in September. Sua’s debut took place on October 19, against Flamengo, for Campeonato Brasileiro, in a match that ended 3-2 for Rubro-Negro.

In subsequent games, performance evolved rapidly. Contra LDU, in the semi-final leg of Libertadores, conceded three goals in Quito, but contributed to the historic turnaround in Allianz Parque. Treinadores praise his wingspan and reflexes, qualities that make him stand out in aerial duels.

The contract until 2030 includes a bonus of 500 thousand euros, signaling the management’s confidence. Com Marcelo Lomba, 38 years old, as a substitute in the final, the focus remains on the generational transition in the alviverde goal.

Investment and expectations in millionaire reinforcement

Palmeiras paid a fixed 5.5 million euros for Carlos Miguel, the highest fee in the club’s history for a goalkeeper. Essa transaction, equivalent to R$34.7 million at the exchange rate at the time, reflects the squad renewal strategy. Antes of Weverton’s injury, the player was seen as an immediate reserve.

The board has monitored the athlete since his time at Nottingham Forest, where he played few matches. Sua limited experience, with 28 professional games, contrasts with the weight of the final. However, recent numbers show solidity: an average of 0.75 goals conceded per match in the last eight games.

Abel Ferreira, coach of Palmeiras, highlighted the goalkeeper’s quick adaptation in recent press conferences. The coach chose to keep him as a starter, prioritizing stability in the goal for the decision.

The investment can pay for itself with the security, increasing the market value of Carlos Miguel. Clubes Europeans are already monitoring the Brazilian, but the focus is now continental.

Recent performance that builds confidence

Carlos Miguel made crucial saves in Palmeiras’s last matches. In six of the eight games after the debuts with three goals conceded, they kept zero on the scoreboard. Contra o Juventude, in Brasileirão, his interventions were decisive in the 2-0 victory.

The height of 2.04m favors high balls, an area where Flamengo, with attackers like Bruno Henrique, tests defenses. Estatísticas from Conmebol indicate that the goalkeeper has an 85% save rate in the competition.

Training with the Weverton ball did not change the choice of Abel Ferreira. The immediate reserve, Marcelo Lomba, travels as an option, but with no indication of a replacement. The technical committee prioritizes continuity for the final.

Factors such as positioning and releasing the ball with the feet have also evolved. Carlos Miguel completed 92% of short passes in recent games, contributing to the construction of plays.

Final preparation in Lima and cast logistics

Palmeiras reached Lima on Thursday, with 11 players kept at São Paulo for physical preservation. The Abel Ferreira technical committee opted for this strategy, focusing on the recovery of injured athletes like Lucas Evangelista and Paulinho. Friday’s activity was light, with an emphasis on defensive tactics.

The Estádio Monumental, with a capacity for 80 thousand people, hosts the neutral final. Ingressos sold out quickly, with 80% sold to Brazilian fans. Logistics included a charter flight and isolated hotel for concentration.

Weverton, in physical transition, did not participate in the final training sessions. Sua’s absence reinforces the importance of Carlos Miguel, who trained penalties with the group. Flamengo, in turn, traveled with a full squad, including injured players like Pedro.

The rivalry between the clubs adds tension. In 2025, Flamengo won both clashes at Brasileirão, 3-2 and 2-0, but Libertadores has a favorable history to Palmeiras.

Probable lineup and confirmed absences

Abel Ferreira must climb Palmeiras with maximum available strength. Carlos Miguel in goal, followed by Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo and Piquerez in defense. In the middle, Bruno Fuchs, Andreas Pereira, Raphael Veiga and Allan organize the game, with Flaco López and Vitor Roque in attack.

Absences include Weverton, due to a hand injury, Lucas Evangelista, with a thigh problem, and Paulinho, undergoing surgical recovery on the leg. The coach avoided surprises at the press conference, prioritizing tactical balance.

Flamengo, trained by Filipe Luís, enters with Agustín Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho, Arrascaeta, Luiz Araújo and Carrascal; Bruno Henrique. Suspensos like Gonzalo Plata do not travel.

Raphael Veiga, with two goals in the semifinals, is a key player. Flaco López, Libertadores’s top scorer with seven goals, is looking for his fourth goal. The broadcast takes place on Globo, ESPN, ge.globo and streamings such as Disney+ and Paramount+.

History of duels and Brazilian dominance

Palmeiras and Flamengo face each other for the second time in the Libertadores final, after 2021. Verdão won 2-1 in extra time, with a goal from Raphael Veiga. In total, the clubs have played 12 recent matches, with five wins for each side and two draws.

Brazilian dominance in the competition is evident: seven consecutive titles for teams from the country. Palmeiras won in 2020 and 2021,

In Série A 2025, Flamengo leads with 75 points, against 70 for Palmeiras. Direct confrontations favor Rubro-Negro this year, but Verdão has a better record in continental knockouts. Conmebol awards the champion with around US$20 million.

Monumental of Lima hosts the decision for the first time since 2000. Argentine Árbitro Andrés Cunha blows the whistle, with Brazilian VAR. The expectation involves 50 thousand fans, mostly Brazilians.

Rivalry that defines South American football

The rivalry between Palmeiras and Flamengo transcends state borders. Fundados in 1914 and 1895, respectively, the clubs represent different traditions: the Verdão for São Paulo’s determination, the Mengão for Rio’s talent. In 2021, the final generated a record audience of 20 million viewers on Brasil.

Carlos Miguel, in his 11th match, can equal the achievements of Marcos and Sua trajectory, from few chances to starter in decision, inspires young athletes. The game starts at 6pm on Brasília, equivalent to 4pm local time on Lima.