Palmeiras vs Flamengo summary: score, goals, highlights, 2021 Copa Libertadores

Many thanks for joining us tonight as we watched a roller-coaster and thrilling Copa Libertadores with Palmeiras the first side since Boca Juniors in the 1980s to retain the title.

The side from Sao Paulo now head to the FIFA Club World Cup as champions of South America.

Palmeiras win their 3rd Copa Libertadores

The men from Sao Paulo were the better side over the 120 minutes and only wobbled after Flamengo drew level. 

Palmeiras win ..... Copa Libertadores 2021 champions !!!!!!!!!

Flamengo players in floods of tears on the bench as Fla win a corner....

Theatrics from Deyverson as he falls to the ground in an effort to wind down the clock.

Flamengo desperate now and just bomb balls forward.

Another corner for Flamemgo. This could be last chance saloon as the ball drifts wide. Palmeiras can taste the glory as the ref books Melo.

Three minutes of time to be added.

Palmeiras fans in full voice now .... the red and black side of the Centenario stadium in silence.

Terrible corner kick and Palmeiras drive the ball away... Flamengo build again.... Every Palmeiras man behind the ball.

Corner for Flamengo....

Two minutes left in Montevideo... the tension is palpable....

Pedro strikes and the ball drifts wide, the sub failed to get purchase on the effort.

Tears in the eyes of the Flamengo subs bench, they sense their time has come and gone.

Tonight's game has been infinitely better than the January final when Verdâo played Santos in a drab 1-0 game.

Time running out for Flamengo. Mengâo have offered little in extra time save a effort from Gabigol after the Deyverson goal.

Great to see the veteran (38) defender get some playing time and the Palmeiras player is just seven minutes away from lifting the cup.

Felipe Melo on for Palmeiras with Piquerez making way.

Deyverson goes to ground and is in no hurry to get to his feet....

Pedro on-Perreira off (Fla changes)

Palmeiras with a great chance but the pass is overhit and the move breaks down.

Fifteen minutes left for Palmeiras to hang on to their lead and Fla to dig deep and look for the 2nd of the night. Verdâo probably deserve things on the balance of play during the entire game.

Mayke off-Menino on for Palmeiras

One minute of time to be added. Flamengo looking a little direction-less now with the whistle sounding to bring an end to the action.

Time's as good as up at the Centenario with 15 left for Fla to claw something back. Renato Gaucho rallying his men once again with plenty of tired limns on the pitch and the fans in green and white making all the noise now.

Flamengo now having to dig deep and show major personality. Three minutes of the half remain.

Another shift in this game as the tide turns the way of the side in green and white. Great predator instinct from Deyverson and what a mistake that will haunt Andreas Perreira for some time.

Perreira gifts the ball to the striker and Deyverson (in tears now) fires home

Gooooooool. Palmeiras take the lead.... former Alaves man Deyverson fires Verdâo ahead

Palmeiras coach Ferreira carded .... we can only assume for something he said.

One can sense tiredness from both teams now. The original 90 minutes were intense and both the mental and physical impact will have taken its toll on the players.

Palmeiras will start the action as extra time kicks off.

Deyverson on for Vega... the former Alaves man with a chance to make history for Verdâo.

Should the game remain level after this period of extra time, then the 2021 Libertadores will be resolved from the penalty spot.

Massages, signs of the cross, last minute instructions .... all set for extra time in Montevideo.... Flamengo certainly the side who finished the stronger.

Plenty of tired legs on the pitch at the Centenario as we head into the final minute of added time.

Palmeiras fans now with a concerned look on their faces. They've seen how their side dominated the game and were in control for the first 70 minutes of the action.

We'll have five minutes of added time.

Play help up as Flamengo have a man down. A chance for the players to grab their breath as we head towards the 90 minute mark.

The winners of tonight's game will join the likes of Al-Ahly, Chelsea, Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup which is set to take place in UAE next January.

Palmeiras really have had the wind taken from their sales as their body language now looks that of a tired and jaded side. 

Flamengo had the game there as Micheal breaks past his man and with just the keeper to beat, he pulls the ball wide to the dispay of the Mengâo fans.

Still plenty of intensity to the game. Neither side seems to have accepted that a draw and a further 30 minutes of football is okay.

The 1-2 is looking the likelier now as Flamengo are playing with all the initiative and drive. 

Just seven minutes remain in Montevideo and we're heading to extra time should it remain 1-1

It's all Flamengo now....

Another Palmeiras player is stretched off as Rafael picks up a knock and Barbosa comes on.

There was some talk of a handball leading up to the Gabigol strike but after consultation ref. Pitana gave the goal.

Anoter change for Fla as Matheuzinho comes on for Isla

Dudu set to be replaced by Wesley (Palmeiras switch)

Gabigol was carded too for removing his shirt after the goal.

Now it's the Flamengo fans who find their voice after Gabigol turns the final on its head.

Dudu has a go from the edge of the area but fires over as Palmeiras resort to the long ball and look for the speed and pace of Rony.

Last 20 minutes in Montevideo as Palmeiras are still in charge.

Danilo stretchered which is not good for Palmeiras. Patrick de Paula takes his place.

Verdâo fans now sensing that their side are in control find their voice as Flamengo fans look on with concern and anxiety. Abel Ferreira has won the tactical game against his counterpart tonight (so far).

Piquerez carded as he checks a Flamengo man in the centre circle.

Palmeiras in no hurry to take these freekicks, happy to see the minutes tick down as the fans in green rally their side and increase the noise levels.

Palmeiras happy to whack the ball away now rather than try and retain possession ... a little early for that type of desperation as Verdâo are awarded a free and Caio carded.

Micheal is the man who comes on for the Flamengo captain.

Change poised for Fla with Everton Ribeiro set to leave the game....

Flamengo with two great chances now to have drawn level and Palmeiras lucky to be ahead still. Less than 30' on the clock.

Flamengo go close again as Bruno glazes the ball and it goes cm wide !

Flamengo 65-45 Palmeiras (% possession)

Flamengo now keeping Palmeiras deep inside their own half. The one area Fla have dominated on is the possession game but the all important stat. still shows Palmeiras ahead.

David Luiz almost makes it 1-1 and a fine outstretched hand for Weverton saves the day.

First murmurs of discontent now audible from the Flamengo 'torcida' with the fans fully aware that their side are being outclassed in every department.

What a strike from Rony as Alves saves Flamengo with a fine palm away with the ball heading for the top corner.

The game adopting a similar pattern to that of the first half. Flamengo dominating possession and Palmeiras sitting back and happy to counter.

Game being played in a decent spirit with referee Pitana yet to issue any cards.

Flamengo go close as Gabigol is inches away from latching onto the ball. Better start to the half from the side from Rio.

Off we go, the second half is underway with no changes at the break.

The whistle sounds and it's Palmeiras who lead through a 6th minute strike from Raphael Veiga who have dominated the action from the off. Flamengo looking grey and predictable and Palmeiras' game management has been excellent.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta breaks towards the edge of the box and sees his effort blocked. Once again solid play from Verdâo.

2 minutes of time will be added.

The Palmeiras players are sharper and able to read passes that split second quicker than their rivals as Palmeiras win a corner as we drift towards the interval.

Flamengo are really not at the races and have been a major disappointment in the first half. Weverton has been a virtual spectator in the Palmeiras goal. Just as we say that the keeper is called into action as Bruno goes close.

A face of frustration on Renato Gaucho on the Flamengo bench as he sees that his side lack the final pass and a higher level of precision in the final. Five minutes remain in the half.

Veiga has a go from distance and this time the Flamengo keeper Alves gets down to gather. To be honest the former Valencia keeper could have done better with early Palmeiras goal.

In the end it was Man United loanee Perreira who strkes and drives the ball straight into the wall.

Rony fouls David Luiz and Fla win a dangerous freekick. Giorgian De Arrascaeta to strike...

Flamengo fans out-numbering Palmeiras supporters by about 2/3 to one with a massive sea of red and black eclipsing the smaller pocket of green and white.

And indeed, the defender is replaced by Rene.

Worrying for Flamengo as Filipe Luis limps off for treatment. Not looking good for the former Atleti man.

A few times now that Bruno Henrique has created a decent chance but just hesitated and lets the defenders rob the ball. Palmeiras managing the game to perfection.

Flamengo almost steer the ball into their own goal as Rodrigo Caio heads the ball inches wide after some solid build-up play from Palmeiras.

Wonderful noise levels inside the Centenario today with the fans in green and white the more vociferous with the early goal boosting confidence levels.

The battle between David Luiz and Rony is interesting with the Palmeiras striker well capable of out running the defender.

Henrique rises and falls in the box and looks for a spot kick... Nothing doing for the Argentine match official as he waves play on.

Flamengo go close after some neat build-up play and Gabigol heads wide. The men in white are dominating the possession stakes and Palmeiras happy to sit back and lap up the pressure.

Palmeiras well organised at the back. The 'Verdâo' are a well oiled machine under Ferreira.

Bruno breaks into the box, checks and overcooks his time on the ball as the men in green rob the Flamengo man.

How the Palmeiras Twitter account celebrated the goal.

Rony is a constant threat for Flamengo with the men in green constantly looking for the No. 7

Luan falls awkwardly and play briefly held up. Palmeiras playing like a side full of confidence.

Ten minutes gone and advantage Palmeiras as Flamengo look for a way back into the game.

Flamengo fans in fine voice too, a sea of red and black behind the goal to the left hand side

Scare for Palmeiras as a ball drifts in from the right hand side. Palmeiras straight away head down the other end and create a scare to the delight of the green and white clad fans

Off we go in Montevideo, the 2021 Copa Libertadores final is off and running

Having said that, I predict a low scoring game with a single goal set to decide the contest.... Not sure if that goal will be for Verdâo or Mengâo.

Minutes now to kick-off in Montevideo... Fingers crossed that tonight's game is a 'easier on the eye' affair compared to the poor game that Palmeiras and Santos served up last year .....

Flamengo being the 'away' side tonight will be in their change kit of white shirts and black shorts. Verdâo will be in their classic green and white.

Palmeiras under Ferreira

Palmeiras continue to flourish under Portuguese head coach Abel Ferreira – the club have only lost two of the 19 Libertadores games with the 42-year-old in the dugout, while they are seven games unbeaten having eliminated Atletico Mineiro in the semis.

Abel's Palmeiras have won 13 Libertadores match – the joint-second most of any coach in the club's tournament history, alongside Vanderlei Luxemburgo and only behind Felipao (24 wins in 44 games).

Verdâo fans in place

Palmeiras fans are already in position in the 'home' sector of the Estadio Centenario as kick-off looms

Palmeiras fans are already in position in the 'home' sector of the Estadio Centenario as kick-off looms

Palmeiras fans are already in position in the 'home' sector of the Estadio Centenario as kick-off looms

Match-day weather

Conditions are ideal in Montevideo today for fans and players alike with a pleasant 23C/73F currently in the Uruguayan capital. Sunny and warm with no change in conditions forecast ahead of, and during the game.

The last side to win back-to-back Libertadores titles was Boca Juniors with the Argentine powerhouse claiming the glory in 2000 and 2001.

Mengâo fans out in force

There were similar scenes in Rio as Fla fans created a tide of red and black as Renato Gaucho's side headed to the airport.

Palmeiras torcida 'send-off'

These were the scenes as the Palmeiras expedition made its way to Sao Paulo airport with supporters of Verdâo anxious to see the side off in style.

Libertadores final: match official

Tonight's game will be overseen by Argentine whistler Nestor Pitana and the referee will be supported in the VAR booth by Chilean, Julio Bascuñan

...and the Palmeiras XI:

Fla confirm starting XI

Pre-game: Renato Gaucho (Flamengo)

The Flamengo boss told the media pre-game: "The feeling is of a dream come true for having reached another Libertadores final, because it is for few coaches and I have that privilege working with Flamengo, in the same way as Abel [Ferreira] doing with Palmeiras.

"The feeling is that of having fulfilled my job leading a wonderful group in a club with so many fans and with an immense responsibility, but we are professionals and we are prepared for this.

"I hope that Flamengo gets their third cup, we know that we have a very strong team in front of us and they also want to be champion, but we have all done what it takes to be here, the managers, the coaching staff and the players, we know the importance of this match.

"We are two great teams with players at the level of the Brazilian national team, I am sure it will be a great game, well played because we are two teams that always go to the front looking for the goal and we both arrived with our merits. As I said, I think it is going to be a game with a lot of emotions."

Pre-game: Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras)

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, the Palmeiras manager stated: "experience tells us how difficult it is to be consistently winning and after last year if they asked everyone from Palmeiras if they thought they would be twice in a row in the final of the Copa Libertadores they would have had many doubts," Abel, who is looking to become the first European coach to win two Libertadores titles, said in a pre-game news conference.

"Last year we reached the final because of the players and this year I infected the players to be here again. We climb the mountain because we have a very clear purpose from day one: to win the final.

"This is our purpose and we are here for merit, for a lot of effort and for the help of many people and above all because of the character, courage and capacity of our players."

Fans pose with the famous Copa Libertadores trophy in Montevideo as kick-off lurks closer.

Flamengo fans in fine voice pre game

Fans of both Palmeiras and Flamengo have been making their presence felt for the past few days in the Uruguayan capital with the city a sea of red and black and green and white.

Long seasons

The criticism, however, is just one indication of the extremes of Brazilian football, which have been highlighted by Saturday’s game.

The match will be Palmeiras’ 88th this year, and Flamengo’s 83rd. They both have more matches to play before the season ends in December.

The cheapest ticket costs around $200, the same as Brazil’s minimum monthly wage, and more than twice the cheapest ticket for the final of the Champions League. Travel costs are on top.

For the coaches, even reaching the final may not be good enough to keep them in their jobs, according to Tostao, the former World Cup winner who is now a columnist in Brazil.

“If Flamengo are champions, they will be hailed most of all for their individual quality, as well as praise for Renato,” Tostao wrote. “If Palmeiras win the title, they will say that Abel Ferreira is a great strategist. “Both run a big risk of being fired if they lose.”

Coaches steal limelight ahead of all-Brazilian Libertadores final

This year’s Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and Palmeiras, the last two winners of South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, is the second all-Brazil affair in a row and the focus is as much on the coaches as the players.

On one side is Abel Ferreira, the Portuguese coach who guided Palmeiras to the title last year and is aiming to become the first man to win two Libertadores in a row since Carlos Bianchi did it with Boca Juniors in 2001.

On the other is Renato Gaucho, the coach of Flamengo, where he took over in July after a stellar spell at Gremio, a team he led to the Libertadores in 2017.

Both have outsize personalities and have had successful careers, but they approach the match under different levels of scrutiny.

Ferreira’s team have not won any of their last four matches but he is still considered an icon at the club, in large part for last year’s victory, their second Libertadores triumph and the first since 1999.

Although he has been at Palmeiras only 13 months, he is the second longest-serving coach in Brazil’s first division.

“He won the Libertadores last year and he’s in another Libertadores final,” Renato said of his rival. “Few coaches have managed to do what he has done. It’s not easy to come to Brazil and win the titles he’s won.”

Renato is considered one of the greatest Libertadores performers in Brazilian history, winning the title as both a player and a coach.

But he is nevertheless under fire from his own supporters for his team selections, for not celebrating goals enthusiastically enough, and even for talking to opposition players during matches.

The criticism seems harsh for a man who has guided his team to the Libertadores final and to second in the league with four games remaining.

“Flamengo fans are very demanding and sometimes they go over the score,” said Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid and Brazil striker and himself a boyhood Flamengo fan. “In the best of circumstances a coach needs time to implement his ideas. Renato is doing very well.”

Both teams have won the tournament twice, and whoever wins this time around will join an elite club of only ten teams that have won the Copa Libertadores more than twice; São Paulo, Santos, and Grêmio from Brazil.

Flamengo won the South America Copa Libertadores in 2019 before Palmeiras got their hands on the trophy, thanks to Breno Lopes' 99th-minute winner last year. This will be the first final with the previous two winners of the competition back to back.

The game is set to take place at the Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo.

As was the case with last year's final, this years Libertadores final is also an all Brazilian affair with holders Palmeiras back in action with Flamengo, this years opponents.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2021 Copa Libertadores from Montevideo (Uruguay).