Brazilian clubs have left their mark in the Libertadores throughout history, though they became more dominant in the last decade. Flamengo, for instance, have recently found continental success after years of wait.
The Rio de Janeiro giants have three Libertadores to their name, having lifted their first cup in 1981 while their second triumph came nearly four decades later, when they won the 2019 edition. Three years later, they conquered the continent for the third time.
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Flamengo’s first ever continental success came in 1981, when they took down Chilean side Cobreloa in three games. By then, the final went to a third game if the score was tied on aggregate after two. Rubro-Negro won the first match 2-1, but lost 1-0 in the rematch. When the third match arrived, they took care of business with a 2-0 win.
Mengao fans had to wait 39 years to see their club back in a Libertadores final. They almost got their hearts broken in Lima, until Gabriel Barbosa came up with a late brace to turn things around against River Plate to pull off one of the greatest comeback victories in tournament history.
After falling short in 2021 against Palmeiras in extra time, Flamengo bounced back by beating Athletico Paranaense in Guayaquil. Once again, Gabigol made the difference to help the club lift its third Libertadores trophy.
With three titles, Flamengo are tied with São Paulo, Grêmio, Santos, and Palmeiras as the most successful Brazilian teams in the competition.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
