Flamengo and Palmeiras face each other this Saturday at the renovated Estadio Centenario in Montevideo for the grand final of the 2021 Copa Libertadores, an edition that brings together the last winners of South America's premier club tournament.
The 'Verdao' surprised by breaking the deadlock just 5 minutes into the match through Raphael Veiga, forcing 'Fla' to constantly press on the opposing field. Without clear opportunities in the first half, due to Palmeiras' defensive resistance led by Gustavo Gómez, everything changed in the second half.
Flamengo started playing with Gabriel Barbosa and Bruno Henrique as center forwards, which allowed them to increase their goal-scoring chances. After several missed opportunities, their top scorer 'Gabigol' appeared to score the equalizer.
Gabigol made a run down the flank and was found by Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who returned the pass to the attacker, who fired a left-footed shot into the near post of Weverton for the 1-1.
Gabriel Barbosa is the leading scorer of the Copa Libertadores, with 11 goals in this edition already.
Flamengo vs. Palmeiras: how they started in the Copa Libertadores final
Palmeiras: Weverton; Gustavo Gómez, Luan, Joaquín Piquerez; Mayke, Gustavo Scarpa, Danilo, Zé Rafael; Raphael Veiga, Dudu, Rony.
Flamengo: Diego Alves; Mauricio Isla, David Luiz, Rodrigo Caio, Filipe Luís; Willian Arao, Andreas Pereira, Everton Ribeiro, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique; Gabriel Barbosa