Danilo (ex-FC Porto) scores and denies Abel Ferreira a third Libertadores | OneFootball

Flamengo won the 2025 Copa Libertadores by defeating Palmeiras, coached by Abel Ferreira, 1-0 in the final.

The only goal of the match was scored by Danilo, a former FC Porto player.

This is Flamengo’s fourth Libertadores title in history, following their victories in 1981, 2019, and 2022.

Felipe Luiz also makes history by winning the greatest trophy in Latin America both as a player and as a coach.

PHOTOS: Palmeiras–Flamengo in images

The match started 15 minutes late due to Palmeiras’ delegation arriving late at the final venue and was marked by nervousness: both teams showed more fear of losing than willingness to take risks. Palmeiras sought a pragmatic game, trying to reach Flamengo’s box in two or three touches, almost always using long passes to exploit Vitor Roque’s speed or Flaco López’s aerial ability.

Felipe Luiz’s team appeared calmer, trying to impose their supported style of play to reach Palmeiras’ final third, with intensity down the flanks and also through the central corridor, under Jorginho’s command.

Flamengo’s first warnings came with two well-placed shots, near the post, from Samuel Lino (formerly of Gil Vicente) and Bruno Henrique.

The first half was dominated by many physical duels and the permissive approach of Argentine referee Dario Herrera, who let play continue in most situations. Even so, he showed yellow cards to penalize hard tackles by Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, and De Arrascaeta from Flamengo, and Raphael Veiga from Palmeiras.

The referee’s (and VAR’s) biggest mistake was likely not sending off Pulgar with a straight red card for the incident that resulted in his yellow. The midfielder made a very harsh challenge, not contesting the ball, on Fuchs’ legs, leaving visible marks on the Palmeiras defender’s shin.

In the second half, the game opened up, with both teams realizing they needed to take more risks. Flaco López had a dangerous shot that was blocked by Danilo’s legs in the 48th minute. At 50 minutes, Giorgian de Arrascaeta shot against Gustavo Gómez after a pass from Bruno Henrique.

Set pieces ended up playing a decisive role in the 67th minute: corner from Arrascaeta and a thunderous run from Danilo, the former FC Porto player, who headed the ball into the back of the net guarded by Carlos Miguel. The score was opened at the Monumental de Lima, the stadium where Jorge Jesus led Flamengo to victory in this same competition in 2019, against River Plate.

Former Benfica player Cebolinha replaced Samuel Lino for Flamengo. Felipe Luiz also brought on Luiz Araújo and Juninho for Bruno Henrique and De Arrascaeta.

Abel Ferreira, the Portuguese coach of Palmeiras, took risks with several offensive changes to try to turn the result around: Felipe Anderson, who also played for FC Porto, Sosa, Gyai, and Facundo Torres came on, replacing Alan, Raphael Veiga, Khellven, and Murillo.

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