Flamengo Defeats Palmeiras To Win The 2025 Copa Libertadores Title

LIMA, PERU – NOVEMBER 29: Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique of Flamengo lift the Champion’s trophy after winning the the 2025 Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores Final match between Palmeiras and Flamengo at Estadio Monumental on November 29, 2025 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

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Flamengo defeated Palmeiras 1-0 on Saturday night in Lima, Peru to win the Copa Libertadores.

Flamengo Wins Copa Libertadores Final in Peru at the Estadio Monumental “U”

Flamengo needed just a single goal to seal the biggest title in South American football. The match was incredibly tight. Just as expected. Palmeiras and Flamengo have gone toe-to-toe all season in the Brazilian league and the Copa Libertadores. These 90 minutes were no different. Flamengo enjoyed 60% of possession but Palmeiras had 1.01 xG to Flamengo’s 0.72.

A single header from former Manchester City and Real Madrid defender Danilo won the game for the Rio de Janeiro side in the second half. The Brazilian international and two-time UEFA Champions League winner rose to meet a cross from a corner kick and nodded the ball in off the post. Danilo also won the 2011 Copa Libertadores with Santos.

This goal sent the fans in red and black absolutely crazy. Palmeiras fans, however, were left feeling green with envy. The opposition felt a great sense of injustice because of events in the first half. Flamengo’s Chilean midfielder Erick Pulgar should have seen red for a horrific tackle in the first half. Pulgar received only a yellow card, but a deserved dismissal would have changed the game in Palmeiras’ favour..

Flamengo Wins Fourth Copa Libertadores

Flamengo only won its second Copa Libertadores title in 2019. Now, in 2025, Flamengo’s four Copa Libertadores titles mean the club has more than any other team in Brazil.

Flamengo and Palmeiras were both looking to win their fourth ever Copa Libertadores, but Flamengo’s victory means the bragging rights belong to the Rio club. The victory also means that the last four Copa Libertadores winners have been from Rio de Janeiro, with Flamengo winning the trophy in 2022 and Fluminense and Botafogo lifting the title respectively in 2023 and 2024.

Flamengo’s win means they can compete with European champions PSG for an intercontinental title in December, and also qualify for the second edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029.

Flamengo The Best In South America

Flamengo is set to confirm its status as the best team in South America in the next league match. Not only has it defeated Palmeiras in the final of the continental cup, but it is about to lift the Brazilian league trophy. This is by far the best league on the continent.

The fact that Flamengo hasn’t just beaten its closest competitor Palmeiras in the Libertadores, but over a 38-game league season, speaks volumes about its quality. Flamengo is five points above Palmeiras with two league games to play, so technically they still need something to win the league, but unless they only get one point from six and Palmeiras wins both matches, the league is over.

Flamengo plays at home to Ceará this midweek. A home win would cap off an epic season and confirm the league title. This would match Botafogo’s league and continental double from last season.