Raphael Veiga’s Double Seals Palmeiras’ Comeback and a Libertadores Final Against Flamengo
Five of the last six Copa Libertadores finals have featured all-Brazilian showdowns. That trend continued as Palmeiras engineered a breathtaking comeback over LDU Quito while Flamengo held firm in Argentina against Racing Club — setting up a final between Brazil’s two modern giants, each chasing continental supremacy.
Raphael Veiga Leads Palmeiras on a Historic Comeback
Raphael Veiga has been almost a one-club man in his professional career, and on this night, the 30-year-old reaffirmed his status as Palmeiras’ emotional heartbeat. His two second-half goals as a substitute completed a historic turnaround for the São Paulo side.
LDU Quito had entered the second leg with a commanding 3–0 advantage from the first leg in Ecuador. But in Brazil, that cushion evaporated, first slowly, then completely. Palmeiras struck early through Paraguayan midfielder Ramón Sosa in the 20th minute, igniting belief across the stands. Defender Bruno Fuchs doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, cutting the aggregate to 3–2 and swinging momentum fully toward the home side.
Palmeiras, driven by their intensity and self-belief, and knowing they had to keep attacking simply overwhelmed Quito’s cautious game plan. Veiga entered in the 64th minute and transformed the match immediately — scoring just four minutes later from a setup by Vitor Roque, who will miss the final due to yellow-card accumulation. In the 82nd minute, Veiga buried a decisive penalty to complete the 4–0 triumph and a 4–3 aggregate victory. The result for Palmeiras was one of the best second leg comebacks from a Brazilian team ever.
Palmeiras outshot LDU 28 to 8, controlling nearly two-thirds of possession. Quito’s nerves were evident; Fuchs’ late first-half goal had cracked their composure. The Ecuadorian side’s valiant run ended with heartbreak, leaving the nation still without a Libertadores finalist since 2016, when Independiente del Valle fell to Atlético Nacional.
Another standout for Palmeiaras? The 21-year-old Allan who had a key assist and drew the decisive penalty. Allan will be getting attention from European clubs in the near future.
Raphael Veiga, and manager Abel Ferreira now seek their third Libertadores crown — having lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2021 — as Palmeiras chase another shot at continental and global glory with a FIFA Club World Cup berth on the line.
Flamengo Shows Class in Semifinal Libertadores Win
Flamengo were the first Brazilian side to secure their place in the final, advancing past Racing Club 1–0 on aggregate to reach their fourth Libertadores final since 2019. They remain on course for a potential domestic and continental double, having recently beaten Palmeiras in league play.
In Buenos Aires, Racing’s fans created a cauldron of noise, flame, and color, but their side couldn’t find the breakthrough. Flamengo absorbed pressure, relying on their structure and experience. A red card to Gonzalo Plata briefly tilted the balance, yet Racing failed to capitalize. Their four second-half substitutes, including Duván Vergara, couldn’t change the story. Despite 20 shots to Flamengo’s six, only four were on target — a wasteful display that sealed their fate and left them anguished.
Flamengo’s discipline and big-game pedigree once again prevailed, with Jorge Carrascal’s first-leg goal standing as the difference. For Racing, it marked another near miss — and for Argentina, another year where only River Plate or Boca Juniors have managed to reach the final since 2017.
Atlético Mineiro Carries Brazilian Hopes in the Sudamericana
In the Copa Sudamericana, Atlético Mineiro, managed by the famous Jorge Sampaoli, ensured Brazil’s dominance continued. At home, they surged to a 3–1 win over Independiente del Valle, advancing 4–2 on aggregate. Early goals from Guilherme Arana and Bernard — both assisted by Dudu — set the tone before Hulk sealed the result in the 73rd minute.
Their opponent will be Lanús, who defeated Universidad de Chile 1–0 in the return leg behind another goal from Rodrigo Castillo — his fifth in four matches. The Argentine side edged the semifinal 3–1 on aggregate to reach the final.
2025 South American Titles to Be Decided in November
The Copa Sudamericana final will be played on November 22 in Paraguay, featuring Atlético Mineiro vs Lanús.
One week later, on November 29 in Lima, Peru, South America’s grandest stage hosts a blockbuster: Flamengo vs Palmeiras for the Copa Libertadores title.
Both clubs are also locked in a fierce Brasileirão title race — Palmeiras leading Flamengo by just one point with three matches remaining. One will lift South America’s ultimate trophy; the other will look for revenge on the domestic stage to end the season. Either way, Brazil reigns supreme in South America once again.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xEduardoxCarmim,
