Boto tips Flamengo v Palmeiras final, tells Abel: “Hats off” | OneFootball

Flamengo and Palmeiras played the Libertadores final in 2025

Main contenders for the 2026 Libertadores title, Flamengo and Palmeiras are still alive in the semifinals. As they are on opposite sides of the bracket, the teams could meet in the final for the third time in the last five years. Mengão’s football director, José Boto, commented on the possible rematch.

— It would be very special. I’d like it to happen again and, this time, for it to come back to us, to Leonardo, and for Abel to go another year without winning. He has already won a lot and has an enviable résumé in Brazil -, he said, before concluding:

— I’ll tell you one thing: after two years in Brazil, for someone to last six like he has takes a great deal of resilience. I take my hat off to him for that -, José Boto concluded during an appearance at the Portugal Football Summit 2026.

How are Flamengo and Palmeiras doing in the Libertadores?

After eliminating Independiente del Valle (ECU), Flamengo will face Estudiantes (ARG) in the Libertadores semifinals. Meanwhile, after knocking out LDU (ECU), Palmeiras will fight for a place in the final against Fluminense.

In other words, Flamengo and Palmeiras could meet again in the Libertadores final. Thus, the tournament’s grand final is scheduled for November 28 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

How many Libertadores finals have Flamengo and Palmeiras played?

Flamengo and Palmeiras have already played in two Libertadores finals in history. In 2021, the São Paulo side beat Rubro-Negro 2-1 in extra time, with Deyverson scoring the decisive goal. Then in 2025, the team coached by Filipe Luís came out on top 1-0, with a goal from Danilo.

Are Flamengo and Palmeiras competing for another title in 2026?

Yes! Besides the Libertadores, Flamengo and Palmeiras are also battling for the Brasileirão title. At the moment, Mais Querido sits alone at the top with 60 points, while Abel Ferreira’s team is in second place with 57 points.

It is important to point out that Flamengo and Palmeiras still have a head-to-head clash to play in the Brasileirão. With the match scheduled for November 22, the teams will face each other at Nubank Parque in a game that could decide the national league title.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.