Penarol, the Uruguayan club, has etched its name in Copa Libertadores history by securing a spot in the semifinals for the first time in 13 years. The historic achievement came after a goalless draw against Brazil’s powerhouse Flamengo at home, building upon their 1-0 victory in the first leg thanks to a goal from Javier Cabrera.
This monumental feat marks a significant turnaround for Penarol, who have struggled in the Copa Libertadores over the past decade. Their previous nine appearances saw them eliminated in the group stages. The last time they reached this stage was in 2011 when they reached the final.
Penarol’s journey to the semifinals was a David versus Goliath story, facing off against Flamengo, a club that splashed over $50 million in the offseason to assemble a team capable of winning a fourth Copa Libertadores title.
The Uruguayan club will now face another Brazilian club, Botafogo, in the semifinals. Botafogo themselves have achieved a remarkable feat, reaching the last four for the first time since 1973 after overcoming Sao Paulo on penalties in the quarterfinal.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal matchup, Argentina’s River Plate will go head-to-head with Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro. River Plate, led by the returning coach Marcelo Gallardo, a two-time Copa Libertadores champion with the club, will be looking to continue their winning streak after overcoming Chile’s Colo Colo in the quarterfinals. Atletico Mineiro, on the other hand, secured their spot in the semis by defeating defending champion Fluminense 2-0.
The Copa Libertadores final is set to take place on November 30th in Buenos Aires, the home ground of River Plate. This promises to be a thrilling climax to a tournament that has seen many surprises and heart-stopping moments.
