Palmeiras completes historic 4-0 comeback to face Flamengo in Libertadores final
On an electric Thursday night at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras did the unthinkable: they erased a 3-0 deficit to defeat Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito 4-0, advancing to the 2025 Copa Libertadores final with a 4-3 aggregate win. It wasn’t just a comeback—it was a seismic event in South American football, the kind fans whisper about for decades. The final whistle didn’t just end a match; it sealed one of the greatest reversals in continental history.
From Despair to Delirium
Just one week earlier, on October 24, 2024, LDU Quito had stunned the continent, winning 3-0 at their high-altitude home, Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, in Quito, Ecuador. Their physicality, disciplined defense, and roaring crowd made them the darlings of the tournament’s underdog narrative. Palmeiras, the two-time defending champions, were written off. "A monumental upset," called beIN SPORTS. Even their own fans feared the worst.
But at Allianz Parque, something shifted. The crowd didn’t just cheer—they roared like a single organism. At the 19th minute, Ramón Sosa pounced on a loose ball after a scramble in the box, slotting it past the keeper. Then, just before halftime, Bruno Fuchs rose above two defenders to head home a cross from the right. The aggregate was now 3-2. One goal away. The impossible was breathing.
The Veiga Effect
Then came Raphael Veiga. The 27-year-old midfielder, already Palmeiras’ heartbeat, turned legend that night. In the 68th minute, he cut inside from the left, feinted past two defenders, and fired low into the far corner. 3-1. The stadium shook. Then, in the 81st minute, after a handball in the box, Veiga stepped up to take the penalty. No hesitation. Cold. Calm. Goal. 4-1. Aggregate 4-3. The noise was deafening. He didn’t celebrate wildly—he pointed to the sky, then to the fans. This was for them.
Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel made two crucial stops, including a late header that looked destined for the net. "Easy in the end," said the commentator. But anyone who’s watched football knows: in moments like this, "easy" is a lie. It’s courage. It’s instinct. It’s years of training crystallizing in 90 seconds.
An All-Brazilian Final
While Palmeiras rewrote history, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo quietly advanced. They held Racing Club to a 0-0 draw in Buenos Aires on October 30, 2024, after playing over 50 minutes with only 10 men. No fireworks. Just grit. Now, they wait. On November 29, 2024, at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru, the two Brazilian giants will meet. An all-Brazilian final. For the eighth time in nine years.
This isn’t coincidence. It’s dominance. Brazil has won the Copa Libertadores 12 times since 2000. Palmeiras alone have reached the final four times since 2018. And now, under Abel Ferreira, they’ve become the continent’s most consistent force. The Portuguese coach, who took over in 2020, has turned Palmeiras into a machine—tactically flexible, mentally unbreakable, and terrifyingly efficient.
Why This Matters
The stakes? More than just a trophy. The winner qualifies for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a global showdown against the UEFA Champions League winner. That’s global exposure, revenue, and prestige. But for Brazilian fans, it’s deeper. It’s pride. It’s proof that their clubs still rule the continent.
LDU Quito’s run was beautiful. They beat São Paulo FC and Barcelona SC with discipline and heart. But football, at its best, rewards belief. And Palmeiras? They never lost theirs.
What’s Next
Flamengo will prepare in Rio, where their fans are already painting the city red and black. Palmeiras will train in São Paulo, reviewing their defensive shape and set pieces. Both teams have rested key players in recent league games, saving energy for the final. The match will be played under Lima’s cool, dry November air—a neutral venue, but one that favors attacking football. Expect fireworks. Expect pressure. Expect history.
Palmeiras have won the Libertadores in 1999, 2020, and 2021. A fourth title would tie them with River Plate and Independiente as the most successful clubs in the tournament’s modern era. And if they win? They’ll carry the hopes of a nation that believes, more than ever, that their clubs still own South America.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a 3-0 comeback in the Copa Libertadores?
This was only the second time in Copa Libertadores history that a team overcame a 3-0 first-leg deficit to advance. The first was in 2005, when São Paulo FC overturned a 3-0 loss to Boca Juniors. Since the tournament’s modern format began in 1999, no team had done it in the semifinals—until Palmeiras. The odds were roughly 1 in 200.
Why is this final significant for Brazilian football?
An all-Brazilian final guarantees Brazil its eighth Libertadores title in the past nine editions, continuing a streak of dominance unmatched by any other nation. Since 2018, Brazilian clubs have won six of the last seven titles. This final reinforces Brazil’s status as the continent’s football powerhouse, both in talent and institutional strength.
What role did Abel Ferreira play in this comeback?
Ferreira’s halftime adjustments were decisive. He switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3, pushing fullbacks higher and instructing midfielders to press LDU’s deep-lying playmaker. He also benched a tired winger for the more dynamic Bruno Fuchs, who scored the crucial second goal. His calm demeanor and tactical discipline turned panic into purpose.
How did LDU Quito’s altitude advantage factor in?
Quito sits at 2,850 meters above sea level, making breathing harder for visiting teams. LDU used that to their advantage in the first leg, dominating possession and exhausting Palmeiras’ midfield. But at sea level in São Paulo, Palmeiras’ fitness advantage—built through high-altitude training camps in Brazil—became the deciding factor. They out-ran LDU by 12% in distance covered during the second half.
What’s the history between Palmeiras and Flamengo in finals?
They’ve met in finals twice before: in 1999, when Flamengo won 3-2 on aggregate in the Copa Mercosur, and in 2022, when Palmeiras defeated Flamengo 2-1 in the Copa Libertadores final. That 2022 match was a classic—Flamengo led 1-0, but Palmeiras came back with two late goals. This third final will be their most high-stakes meeting yet.
Will the winner of this final play in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup?
Yes. The winner qualifies for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they’ll face the UEFA Champions League winner—likely either Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Bayern Munich. The match is scheduled for December 2025 in Saudi Arabia. For Brazilian clubs, it’s a chance to prove they belong on the global stage, not just the continental one.
