Without Léo Ortiz, Filipe Luís starts Danilo in the Libertadores Flamengo x Palmeiras decision By Carolina Costa
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Flamengo and Palmeiras compete for the Copa Libertadores 2025 title this Saturday, at Estádio Monumental “U”, in Lima, Peru. The match starts at 5pm local time, equivalent to 6pm on Brasília. Coach Filipe Luís opted for Danilo to start in defense, leaving Léo Ortiz on the bench.
The decision takes place in a single final, with the winner becoming the first Brazilian club to win four titles in the competition. Flamengo arrives motivated by the leadership in Campeonato Brasileiro, while Palmeiras seeks the recent third championship.
Filipe Luís made three changes in relation to the semifinal against Racing, in Argentina. Samuel Lino takes Luiz Araújo’s place in the attack, and Bruno Henrique starts in place of Gonzalo Plata, suspended after expulsion.
The red-black lineup adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive balance and quick transitions. Rossi defends the goal, with Varela on the right flank.
Filipe Luís tactical decision
Filipe Luís prioritized stability in defense to face the Palmeiras attack. Danilo, with experience in high-intensity games, forms a duo with Léo Pereira.
The selection reflects recent medical evaluations of Léo Ortiz, who has recovered from a right ankle injury suffered in October. The defender played in the sacrifice against Racing, but has been out since then.
In midfield, Erick Pulgar and Jorginho provide protection, while Arrascaeta creates plays. Samuel Lino and Carrascal support Bruno Henrique in front.
Palmeiras, under Abel Ferreira, enters with Carlos Miguel in the goal, due to the crack in Weverton’s hand. The base includes Gustavo Gómez in defense and Raphael Veiga in the middle.
Changes to the red-black attack
Bruno Henrique returns to the starting lineup after resting at Brasileirão. Sua speed compensates for the absence of Gonzalo Plata, sent off in the semi-final.
Samuel Lino gains opportunity for the first time in the decision-making phase. The versatile left-back played in 12 matches in the Libertadores, scoring two goals.
Luiz Araújo, option on the bench, trained intensely during the week. Sua entry may occur in the second half, depending on the pace of the game.
Flamengo scored 30 goals in the competition, an average of 2.5 per match. Arrascaeta leads with eight assists.
Historical context of the rivalry
Palmeiras and Flamengo faced each other twice in 2025, with red and black victories in Brasileirão. The record at Libertadores is balanced, with 1-1 in the last duels.
In 2021, Palmeiras won on penalties in Montevidéu. Agora, Flamengo seeks rematch on neutral soil.
Estádio Monumental “U” hosted the 2019 final, when Flamengo turned over River Plate. Capacidade for 80 thousand fans, the venue receives around 60 thousand Brazilian fans.
Conmebol appointed Argentinean Darío Herrera as main referee. Ele refereed 15 games at Libertadores this year, averaging 4.2 cards per game.
Physical preparation and confirmed absences
Flamengo’s medical department monitored Léo Ortiz daily. The decision to preserve it aims to avoid recurrence at a crucial moment.
Pedro, top scorer with 15 goals this season, remains out with a forearm injury. Allan treats plantar fasciitis and has not traveled.
In Palmeiras, Vitor Roque and Flaco López form an offensive duo. The team preserved starters in Brasileirão to focus on the final.
Both teams held closed training sessions in Lima. Flamengo used tarps to block views, a strategy used by Jorge Jesus in 2019.
Strategies for confrontation in Lima
Flamengo plans to press high in the first 15 minutes. Filipe Luís emphasized long balls to exploit counterattacks.
Palmeiras bets on ball possession, with an average of 58% in the competition. Abel Ferreira tested tactical variations on Wednesday.
Weather in Lima predicts 22°C and cloudy skies, ideal conditions for football. Umidade of 70% can affect the rhythm.
- Referee: Darío Herrera (ARG)
- VAR: Héctor Paletta (ARG)
- Broadcast: Globo, ESPN, ge.globo
- Expected audience: 60 thousand fans
Impact of the absence of Léo Ortiz
Danilo takes over as a defender, with an 85% success rate in tackles in Libertadores. Sua partnership with Léo Pereira produced four clean sheets in six games.
Léo Ortiz, signed in 2024, played 20 matches for the club. Sua recovery included intensive physical therapy and load testing.
The red-black bank has options such as Emerson Royal and De La Cruz for adjustments. Filipe Luís praised the depth of the cast.
The final defines a place in Mundial of Clubes 2026. The winner faces Cruz Azul in Catar, in December.
Logistical details of the final
The Monumental “U” underwent renovations in 2024, expanding changing rooms. Ingressos sold out in 48 hours, with 40 thousand for Flamengo.
Organized fans have been arriving since Thursday, with caravans of 500 buses. Medidas security includes 2,000 Peruvian police officers.
Conmebol awards US$20 million to the champion, in addition to quotas per phase. Flamengo accumulates US$ 12 million until the final.
Players like Arrascaeta and Veiga are aiming for the man of the match award. Votação occurs post-start.
Expectations for the post-game
The title guarantees the winner the Brazilian four times in Libertadores. Flamengo and Palmeiras total three each, tied in the ranking.
Filipe Luís, former 2019 title player, aims for his first trophy as a coach. Abel Ferreira defends the two in a row.
Celebrations in case of victory include a parade at Rio or São Paulo. The CBF adjusts the calendar to give finalists time off.
The match starts at 5pm local time, with the South American anthem at 4:50pm. Expectativa audience of 50 million on Brasil.
