Palmeiras and Flamengo compete in the final of Copa Libertadores 2025 this Saturday, at Estádio Monumental U, at Lima, at Peru. The game takes place at 6pm, Brasília time, with live broadcast on Globo, ESPN, ge.globo.com, Disney+ and Paramount+. The match marks the reunion of the teams in a continental decision after four years, with Palmeiras seeking the fourth title and Flamengo the fourth title.
Argentinian Dario Herrera is in charge of refereeing, assisted by Cristian Gonzalo Navarro and José Miguel Savorani, with Maximiliano Nicolás Ramírez as fourth referee and Héctor Alberto Paletta in VAR. Essa is the second final in Lima, which hosted the 2019 decider, won by Flamengo against River Plate.
Palmeiras reaches the final after an undefeated campaign in the group stage and an epic comeback in the semi-final against LDU, reversing a 0-3 lead with a 4-0 defeat at home. However, the team has five games without a win in all competitions, including a recent defeat to Grêmio.
- Absences in Palmeiras: Sem serious injuries reported, but the focus is on the recovery of Raphael Veiga.
- Historic advantage: Palmeiras won both finals against Flamengo this decade, in 2021.
- Prize: Vencedor takes around R$150 million in total incentives from Conmebol for 2025.
💚🏆❤️ Outra time in search of#EternalGlory! @Palmeiras e @Flemishmeet again at CONMEBOL’s Final#Libertadores, now in Lima.
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR)October 31, 2025
🤔🇧🇷 Will Quem be Brasil’s first tetra?pic.twitter.com/4FZwx2LD01
Trajectory from Palmeiras to Libertadores
Palmeiras, coached by Abel Ferreira, led Grupo A with six wins in six games, scoring 18 goals and conceding just two. In the knockout stage, they eliminated River Plate in the round of 16 by 3-1 on aggregate and Universitario in the quarterfinals by 2-0.
In the semi-final, the team overcame the initial deficit against LDU with performances from Vitor Roque and Flaco López, which together totaled 12 goals in the competition. Abel Ferreira emphasizes defensive consistency, with just seven goals conceded in 11 matches.
This campaign represents the club’s best performance in the modern Libertadores era, with 30 goals scored in total. The Portuguese coach, in charge for five years, is looking for his third continental title in six seasons.
The focus now is on adapting to the altitude of Lima, around 150 meters above sea level, which requires squad rotation in preparatory training.
Flamengo’s solid path to the final
Filipe The team advanced to the round of 16 by eliminating Internacional 3-0 on aggregate.
In the quarterfinals, they beat Estudiantes on penalties after 4-2, and in the semi they beat Racing 1-0 away from home, with a goal from Bruno Henrique. Essa sequence of knockouts highlights the resilience of the squad, with an average of 1.8 goals per game.
Flamengo arrives motivated by the virtual title of Brasileirão 2025, with a five-point advantage over the vice-president. However, absences such as Gonzalo Plata, suspended, and Pedro, injured in the knee, force changes in the attack.
Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro form the defensive base, which conceded just 46 goals in 72 games this season, one of the best marks in South American football.
Probable lineups and tactics on the field
Teams publish probable lineups focusing on a balance between defense and attack. No Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira should opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing quick transitions.
- Palm trees: Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez; Allan, Raphael Veiga; Andreas Pereira, Flaco López, Felipe Anderson; Vitor Roque.
- Flamengo: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho; Arrascaeta, Luiz Araújo, Carrascal; Bruno Henrique.
Flamengo adopts an offensive 4-3-3, with Arrascaeta as the maestro in midfield, responsible for seven assists in Libertadores. Ambas teams test variations in training, such as introducing Danilo into Flamengo to reinforce the defense.
Vitor The tactics aim to exploit the flanks, where Piquerez and Varela operate.
History of confrontations defines balance
Palmeiras and Flamengo have played 113 historic games, with 40 wins for Verdão, 39 for Rubro-Negro and 34 draws. Nos last five duels, Flamengo won three, including 3-2 in the recent Brasileirão.
The 2021 final, in Montevidéu, ended 2-1 in extra time for Palmeiras, with goals from Raphael Veiga and Deyverson. Remanescentes like Léo Pereira remember the game as a lesson in overcoming obstacles.
In continental decisions, Abel Ferreira has an advantage with two titles over its rival. The Flamengo, however, won the Libertadores in 2019 and 2022, showing its ability in unique games.
This rivalry drives Brazilian football, with clubs totaling more than R$500 million in prizes in 2025 between national and international leagues.
Arbitration and rules for neutral decision
Dario Herrera, Argentine referee with experience in Copas of Seus assistants guarantee accuracy in offsides, with a success rate of 95% in recent games.
The VAR, operated by Héctor Paletta, will be crucial in controversial moves, such as those seen in the Palmeiras semi. Regras include 30-minute extra time in the event of a draw, followed by penalties.
Conmebol reinforces protocols against racism and violence, with more than 50 thousand fans expected at Lima. Ingressos sold out quickly, with sectors divided equally between the fans.
Security measures include electronic searches and a ban on fireworks, aiming for a family-friendly atmosphere for the match.
Expectations and impact on South American football
The final attracts global attention, broadcast in more than 100 countries via beIN Sports and other channels. No Peru, Monumental U receives the second decision in six years, boosting local tourism.
Players like Arrascaeta and Vitor Roque are targeting selections for national teams, with the Uruguayan scoring eight goals in Libertadores. The winner guarantees a place in the expanded Mundial of Clubes 2026.
This match reinforces Brazil’s dominance in the competition, with seven of the last ten finals involving clubs from the country. Conmebol records a 20% increase in digital audience for Brazilian games in 2025.
The balance between the teams promises a technical spectacle, with ball possession averages above 55% for both.
