The Copa Libertadores 2025 final promises another thrilling all-Brazilian showdown as Palmeiras and Flamengo clash at the Monumental Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Saturday, November 29 at 4pm local time (21:00 GMT). This marks the eighth all-Brazilian final in the last nine years, highlighting the country’s continued dominance in South American club football.

Al Jazeera Sport will provide full build-up coverage from 18:00 GMT ahead of our live text commentary stream.

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Recent Brazilian Dominance in Copa Libertadores

Brazilian clubs have dominated the tournament in recent years, winning eight of the last nine editions. Palmeiras and Flamengo have been consistent contenders, with both clubs winning multiple titles in the last decade.

• Palmeiras are three-time winners, lifting the trophy in 1999, 2020, and 2021.
• Flamengo has won the prestigious tournament four times: 1981, 2019, 2022, and is aiming for another title this weekend.

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Path to the Final: Palmeiras

Palmeiras secured their spot in the final with a remarkable comeback in the semifinals against Ecuadorian side Liga Deportiva Universitaria. After losing the first leg 3-0, Raphael Veiga scored twice to lead Palmeiras to a 4-0 victory, overturning the deficit.

Abel Ferreira’s squad had a flawless group stage, winning all six matches, and overcame Argentina’s River Plate in the quarterfinals, demonstrating their resilience and tactical depth.

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Path to the Final: Flamengo

Flamengo reached the final after holding Racing Club of Argentina to a scoreless draw in the second leg of their semifinal. Despite playing much of the second half with 10 men due to a red card for Gonzalo Plata, Flamengo maintained their 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Flamengo finished second in their group, recording three wins and one defeat, and defeated Estudiantes of Argentina in the quarterfinals via penalties.

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Head-to-Head and Recent Meetings

This final marks the 48th meeting between Palmeiras and Flamengo:

• Flamengo: 16 wins
• Palmeiras: 15 wins
• Draws: 16

Their most recent encounters in Brazil’s Serie A season saw Flamengo dominate, winning 3-2 in October and previously 2-0. The rivalry adds extra spice to the final, with bragging rights on the line in addition to the continental trophy.

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Team News and Predicted Lineups

Palmeiras Injuries and Absences

• Figueiredo: Out (cruciate ligament injury)
• Lucas Evangelista: Out (thigh injury)
• Paulinho: Out (shin injury)
• Weverton: Doubtful (fractured hand, training lightly)

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Lomba; Khellven, Gomez, Cerqueira, Piquerez; Allan, Moreno; Pereira, Lopez, Anderson; Roque

Flamengo Injuries and Absences

• Gonzalo Plata: Suspended (red card in semifinal)
• Pedro: Out (thigh injury)
• Henrique: Pushing for a start after scoring late in recent league match

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):
Rossi; Sandro, Pereira, Danilo, Varela; Jorginho, Pulgar; De Arrascaeta, Carrascal, Araujo; Henrique

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Security and Fan Concerns

Ahead of the final, Rio de Janeiro police clashed with Flamengo fans near the city’s international airport as the team prepared to depart for Peru. A small group of fans entered the team bus from the ceiling while thousands cheered outside. Tear gas and rubber bullets were reportedly used to control the situation, though no official statement on injuries or arrests has been released.

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What to Expect

Saturday’s final is expected to be high-intensity and tactical, with both teams familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Palmeiras will look to overturn Flamengo’s recent domestic superiority, while Flamengo aims to continue Brazil’s stranglehold on the Copa Libertadores trophy.

Fans worldwide will be watching as these South American giants battle for continental glory in a matchup that epitomizes Brazilian club football excellence.