Flamengo showed a lot of spirit to, even with one man less, hold on to a goalless draw with Racing (Argentina), on Wednesday night (29) at the El Cilindro stadium, in Avellaneda, to guarantee their presence in the Copa Libertadores da América decider.
🔴⚫ @Flemishthe first finalist!
⚽🎉 Goalless draw and race with @RacingClub away from home assured Mengão in Lima to seek the #EternalGlory.
🏆 CONMEBOL #Libertadores pic.twitter.com/9flD60ZZmw
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR) October 30, 2025
The place was guaranteed because, in the first leg, played last week at the Maracanã stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Rubro-Negro triumphed with a score of 1-0. Now the Gávea team awaits the definition of the other semifinal (between Palmeiras and LDU, who won the first game 3-0) to find out their opponent in the final of the continental competition, which will be played on November 29th in Lima (Peru).
This will be the fifth opportunity in which Flamengo will compete in the decision of the main club competition in South America. The Gávea team has already played in the Libertadores final in 1981, 2019, 2021 and 2022, triumphing on three occasions.
Goalkeeper brilliance
Flamengo and Racing had a very busy first half in which good opportunities were created, but the goalkeepers shone to prevent the score from being opened. The one who had to take action first was Rossi, who, after 11 minutes, stretched himself to defend Conechny’s header which was aimed at the back of the goal.
💪🔴⚫️ Clube de Regatas do @Flemish5⃣ times CONMEBOL finalist #Libertadores! In search of Tetra, a new story of #EternalGlory. pic.twitter.com/81URoiJ4vD
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR) October 30, 2025
Four minutes later it was Cambeses’ turn to work. After receiving it from Carrascal on the right wing, Arrascaeta crossed low into the middle of the area. The ball went to the left side of Flamengo’s attack, where Varela appeared free and finished for the Racing goalkeeper to save.
At 33, Cambesses once again showed that he is one of the great goalkeepers in the current edition of the Copa Libertadores. Arrascaeta made a great individual play. After receiving the ball in the middle, he ran towards the goal, getting rid of the marking of two opponents, and hit the defense, with his face, from Cambesses.
In the last moments before the break, Racing started to cause more problems, forcing high-pitched plays on the last line of Flamengo’s defense. However, Filipe Luís’ team showed confidence to keep the score unchanged.
🔴⚫🎉 Race, love and passion towards Lima, @Flemish!
🏆 CONMEBOL #Libertadores | #EternalGlory pic.twitter.com/Q4JFcF4ffY
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR) October 30, 2025
One less man
After the break, the progress of the match was conditioned by a move. After 10 minutes, Ecuadorian Plata responded to Rojo’s provocation and ended up being sent off. With one man less, coach Filipe Luís chose to reinforce the defense, placing another defender on the field, and leaving only Bruno Henrique in command of the attack.
In this way, Flamengo began to suffer a lot of pressure, and had to rely on the brilliance of one player to guarantee classification, goalkeeper Rossi. The final stage was marked by great saves from the Argentine.
The highlights were a header from Adrián Martínez, in the 24th minute, and a point-blank shot from Vietto, in the 46th minute. However, Rossi showed a lot of skill to hold the draw and take Rubro-Negro to the final.
