Fluminense will play the Copa Libertadores final again at the Maracana

The Tricolor eliminated Internacional in Porto Alegre and is one step away from lifting the Copa Libertadores for the first time

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2023-10-05 16:01:40

Image Credits: © (Twitter @Libertadores)

Fluminense is once again one step away from Eternal Glory. Fernando Diniz’s team struck in Porto Alegre and left Internacional behind, with an epic comeback in the final minutes of the match. After 2-2 in the first leg, the “Tricolor” won 2-1 to seal their ticket to the grand final of CONMEBOL Libertadores 2023 at the Maracaná.

The host had the classification in their hands for much of the match, thanks to an early goal from Gabriel Mercado in the 10th minute. Eduardo Coudet’s men even had several opportunities to increase their advantage, but Enner Valencia was not fine and the local team paid dearly for it. The Flu, on the other hand, never gave up and had a reward: in a flurry, John Kennedy (81′) and the unstoppable Germán Cano (87′) reversed history. In this way, the enthusiasm of the Rio de Janeiro club remains more alive than ever.

Fluminense’s second chance at home

Fluminense is facing a (second) historic opportunity: it will once again play the Copa Libertadores final at the Maracaná, its home. The precedent brings nightmares to the fans, who saw how their team lost on penalties against Liga de Quito in 2008. That year, they forced the penalty shootout with a great comeback in the rematch, but it was not enough: José Cevallos saved three shots for the rival, who against all odds, lifted the trophy in front of a crowd in Rio.

Therefore, the feeling is that the “Tricolor” cannot miss this chance again. Although it remains to be seen whether their rival will be Palmeiras or Boca Juniors, Diniz and company are already sure of one thing: only one game separates them from the first international title in the club’s history, and they will have the advantage of playing it at home.

Germán Cano, intractable

As it could not be otherwise, Fluminense is excited about winning its first Libertadores thanks to Germán Cano, its hero and great scorer. The veteran Argentine forward appeared again at the right time for his team and is the top scorer in this tournament with 12 goals. Of course, many of the hopes for the final on Saturday, November 4 will be placed on him.