By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-09-14 07:31:33 | Updated at 2026-09-17 11:59:04
3 days ago
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The Copa Libertadores quarter-finals reach their decisive second legs this week. Fluminense, Palmeiras, Corinthians and Flamengo all carry aggregate leads or level ties into the return matches.
Flamengo also lead Brazil’s Serie A by a single point over Palmeiras, meaning the Rio and São Paulo clubs are fighting on two fronts as the continental knockout rounds resume.
The Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals also conclude this week, with Boca Juniors holding a 1-0 edge over São Paulo and Santos carrying a 2-0 lead to Atlético Mineiro.
Today’s headlines September 14, 2026
| Platense vs Fluminense | Tuesday, 15 Sep | Fluminense defend a 2-0 aggregate lead in Vicente López as they chase a semi-final place. |
| LDU Quito vs Palmeiras | Wednesday, 16 Sep | Palmeiras take a 1-0 lead to altitude in Quito, where LDU need goals to overturn the tie. |
| Corinthians vs Estudiantes LP | Thursday, 17 Sep | The tie is level at 1-1, leaving Corinthians and Estudiantes to settle it in São Paulo. |
01
Fluminense take a two-goal cushion to Platense in the Libertadores
Preview
Fluminense won the first leg 2-0 in Rio de Janeiro, through Nonato on 20 minutes and Hulk on 29. They now travel to Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López for Tuesday’s return against Argentine side Platense.
The Brazilian club are 90 minutes from a Copa Libertadores semi-final. Fluminense have not won the trophy since 2023, when they beat Boca Juniors in the final.
Platense must score at least twice to force penalties or three times to win outright.
In short — Fluminense lead 2-0 on aggregate and visit Platense on Tuesday with a semi-final place within reach.
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03
Corinthians and Estudiantes level at 1-1 before São Paulo decider
Preview
The first leg in La Plata ended 1-1, leaving the quarter-final delicately balanced. Corinthians host Estudiantes at the Neo Química Arena on Wednesday.
Corinthians are chasing their first Libertadores final appearance since 2012, when they won the title under Tite. Estudiantes are four-time champions, most recently in 2009.
The home crowd in São Paulo could be decisive.
In short — A 1-1 aggregate tie means Corinthians and Estudiantes play a straight knockout in São Paulo on Wednesday.
04
Sudamericana second legs put Brazilian and Argentine clubs on the line
Football
In the Copa Sudamericana, Vasco host Santa Fe on Tuesday with the tie goalless after the first leg in Bogotá. São Paulo need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Boca Juniors at home the same night.
Santos won 2-0 at home to Atlético Mineiro and travel to Belo Horizonte on Wednesday holding a comfortable lead. Cienciano also lead 2-0 against Montevideo City Torque before Thursday’s return in Uruguay.
The Sudamericana semi-finals will feature the winners of these four quarter-finals. Argentine and Ecuadorian clubs have dominated recently. Lanús won in 2025 and Racing in 2024, with Athletico Paranaense the only Brazilian winner in the last seven editions.
In short — The Sudamericana quarter-final second legs run from Tuesday to Thursday, with Brazilian clubs involved in three of the four ties.
05
Flamengo’s double bid: Serie A lead and Libertadores quest
Analysis
Flamengo top Brazil’s Serie A with 57 points from 27 matches as of 14 September. Palmeiras are just one point behind on 56.
Flamengo also lead Independiente del Valle 2-0 in their Libertadores quarter-final, with the second leg at the Maracanã on Thursday.
Winning both the league and the Libertadores in the same season would be a rare achievement. Flamengo were the fifth Brazilian side to complete the double when they did it in 2025 under Filipe Luís, a year after Botafogo.
In short — Flamengo lead the league by one point. They also hold a 2-0 Libertadores lead as they chase a double.
05
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Which Copa Libertadores quarter-final is most likely to see an upset this week?
The Corinthians vs Estudiantes tie is the most balanced, level at 1-1 after the first leg in Argentina.
Estudiantes have the pedigree as four-time champions, but Corinthians’ home crowd at the Neo Química Arena could tip the tie either way.
When and where are the Copa Libertadores semi-finals played?
The semi-final first legs are scheduled for 13 to 15 October and the second legs for 20 to 22 October 2026.
CONMEBOL has confirmed the final for 28 November 2026 at the Estádio Centenario in Montevideo.
Can Flamengo realistically win the Brazilian league and the Libertadores in the same season?
Yes. Flamengo hold a one-point league lead over Palmeiras with 11 matches remaining, and they lead Independiente del Valle 2-0 in their Libertadores quarter-final.
Their squad depth and recent success make the double a genuine possibility. Fixture congestion is the main risk.
In short — Fans ask which quarter-final could spring an upset. They also ask about the semi-final dates and Flamengo’s double bid.
Sources: Flashscore USA – Copa Libertadores fixtures and results, Wikipedia – 2026 Copa Libertadores final stages, Goal – Copa Libertadores fixtures and results, Fox Sports – Copa Libertadores schedule, OneFootball – Copa Sudamericana quarter-final dates and kick-off times
Updated: 2026-09-14T08:00:00-03:00 by Oliver Mason, Latin America sports correspondent.
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