For those wishing to follow the matches but don’t want to brave the crowds and the trip to the nearest stadium… you’ve come to the right place. Tonight Palmeiras take on Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores final from Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium. The two squads have faced off for the title 17 times before.
The atmosphere is expected to be crazy and furious as Brazilians are already salivating over the football in the classic rivalry. So, in the end, which team will be crowned winners in the biggest club event of the South American year? We break down all the facts and figures that will be crucial for this pulsating encounter.
Watch The Finale Live Streaming Online
There are quite a few reasons why this could be a classic. For one, both clubs have been on a roll. Palmeiras is back to the top of the Brazilian A-league after a 32-year hiatus and has made an impressive record of seven wins and two draws in the early part of the season. For their part, Flamengo is top of the Brazilian second division and has been a terrific team on its way to claiming the championship.
Injuries have drastically hampered both teams’ chances of getting things done, though, and tonight they will both be without influential stars. Flamengo’s Fabio Ferreira and will be out while Palmeiras star Neymar will most likely miss out as the club finish his recovery from an injury he picked up in a league game.
There’s not much to really say about the result from the last clash. Palmeiras won 2-0 and are desperate to collect the trophy that has eluded them since 1978.
Brazilians will tune in to watch the match and will also be able to watch it on TV via local service DirecTV.
Who Will Go Down, And How?
Many feel that Flamengo is the favorite, and I can’t help but agree with this assessment. A very talented squad with vastly experience in the massive games as well as those where they lose. They are strongest in defense where a very experienced defense combine with some ball possession. Rio Old Boys will come off as the outsiders. While talented, they are nowhere near the finished article. Even with the league’s best finishing, they have lost big matches to Querétaro and Sao Paulo.