Fluminense vs Palmeiras: Libertadores Semifinal Preview

Fluminense vs Palmeiras returns to the Copa Libertadores after 55 years. Wednesday night at the Maracanã, two Brazilian giants open a semifinal loaded with history and bruised pride.

Fábio, Thiago Silva and Hulk lead a veteran Flu side. Meanwhile, Palmeiras wants to erase the pain of last year’s final. As a result, both clubs treat the first leg as a test of nerves.

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Fluminense vs Palmeiras - Copa Libertadores Semifinal

Their only Libertadores meeting came in the 1971 group stage. Therefore, this knockout series is new territory for both clubs. Moreover, the winner reaches the final on November 28 at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

Palmeiras carries extra motivation. Flamengo beat Verdão 1-0 in last year’s final in Lima. In the other semifinal, Flamengo faces Estudiantes de La Plata.

Fluminense's Veterans Find Form Under Marcão

Few expected Flu to go this far after a shaky start. After a poor run, the club sacked Luis Zubeldía in August. Marcão, the longtime assistant, took charge and earned a contract until season’s end.

Since then, Fluminense has beaten Independiente Rivadavia in the round of 16. In addition, it eliminated Platense in the quarterfinals. Both hard-fought ties finished in Argentina.

Under Marcão, Fábio (46), Thiago Silva (42) and Hulk (40) look reborn. Lucho Acosta, Jefferson Savarino and Julián Millán complete a well oiled eleven. Consequently, Flu keeps its balance at both ends.

Palmeiras Pair a Back Three with a Sharp Attack

Palmeiras shook off the slump that followed the World Cup break. Murilo, Gustavo Gómez and Alexander Barboza now form a firm three man backline. As a result, Verdão has rediscovered the defensive strength behind its 2020 and 2021 titles.

Up front, Jhon Arias, Vitor Roque and José Manuel López carry the threat. For example, López has three goals and four assists in this tournament.

Series Schedule, Form and Stakes

The first leg kicks off Wednesday, October 14, at 7:30 p.m. Ecuador time. Palmeiras then hosts the return leg next Wednesday, October 21, in São Paulo. Therefore, the series stays open until the last whistle.

Sunday brought opposite results. Flu lost 1-0 to Flamengo with a mixed lineup, saving energy for this tie. In contrast, Palmeiras thrashed Corinthians 4-1 and sits second in the Brasileirão, one point behind Flamengo.

Ecuadorian fans know this side well. Palmeiras needed a penalty shootout to eliminate Liga de Quito in the quarterfinals.CONMEBOL’s official site confirms kick off details, while ESPN México offers wider coverage for readers in Mexico.

Why the Maracanã Favors Fluminense

In Fluminense vs Palmeiras, home form gives Flu a clear argument. Across 20 Libertadores knockout matches at home, Flu has won 15 and drawn five. Moreover, it has reached the final every time it made the semifinals.

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