Palmeiras is, once again, one step away from the grand final of the Copa Libertadores. For the fourth consecutive year, Abel Ferreira put Verdão among the four best in South America, and now aspires to play the decisive match for the third time.
The only obstacle they have in the way of achieving this is Boca Juniors, whom they receive tonight in the second leg semi-final after a goalless draw at La Bombonera.
The São Paulo team was champion of the tournament three times: 1999, 2020 and 2021. Its first title was won by Luiz Felipe Scolari, by beating Deportivo Cali of Colombia on penalties in the final. After having lost 1-0 in the first leg, the Felipão team won 2-1 in Brazil to force the shootout, in which they won 4 to 3.
The last two stars were with their current coach: first against Santos, with a goal in extra time from Breno Lopes at the Maracanã, and the second against Flamengo at the Centenario Stadium in Uruguay, also thanks to a goal from Deyverson in extra time.
READ MORE
++ Fluminense will play the Copa Libertadores final again at the Maracana
++ Newcastle takes advantage of Marquinhos’ mistake to build victory over PSG
++ Samba Gold nominees are revealed and voting is open now
Palmeiras, facing the possibility of being the Brazilian team with the most Libertadores
Palmeiras is tied with Santos, São Paulo, Grêmio and Flamengo as the Brazilian teams with the most Copa Libertadores (3). Although Brazilian clubs have exercised clear dominance in recent years, the winningest club in the history of the competition is Independiente of Argentina, with seven titles. Their last success, however, was in 1984.
Clubs with more Libertadores:
- Independiente (Argentina) – 7
- Boca Juniors (Argentina) – 6
- Peñarol (Uruguay) – 5
- River Plate (Argentina) – 4
- Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina) – 4
- São Paulo – 3
- Palmeiras – 3
- Santos – 3
- Grêmio – 3
- Flamengo – 3
All Brazilian Copa Libertadores champions
- Santos: 1962, 1963, 2011
- São Paulo: 1992, 1993, 2005
- Palmeiras: 1999, 2020, 2021
- Flamengo: 1981, 2019, 2022
- Gremio: 1983, 1995, 2017
- Cruzeiro: 1976, 1997
- Internacional: 2006, 2010
- Vasco da Gama: 1998
- Corinthians: 2012
- Atlético Mineiro: 2013
Samba Gold 2023 – Vote now!
Do you already have your favorite candidate for each category of the Samba Gold 2023 award? So leave your vote here!