Copa Libertadores Final Match Preview: Team News, Predictions and Preview For Copa Libertadores

2025 Matchup

Tomorrow, Palmeiras and Flamengo will go head-to-head in a bout for the fabled Copa Libertadores final. The final will be played in Peru's Estadio Monumental in what will be the 66th edition of the South American competition. Botafogo are the current defending champions but were knocked out in the Round of 16, so the final is an all Brazilian tie. This means Brazil will tie Argentina as the nation with the most Copa Liberatadores titles with 26 apiece. It is bound to be a belter of a match, the Brazilians always guarantee something magic in football.

The Story So Far

Palmeiras' road to the final was never an easy one. After going 3-0 down in the first leg of the semi-final, they looked down and out. However, a masterful second-leg performance gave them a 4-0 win and booked their place in the final. They were dominant the whole game and showed their resilience throughout, something that they have to keep doing if they want to beat a strong Flamengo side. They remained unbeaten in the group stage scoring a heavy 17 goals in only six matches. Also, impressive quarter-final wins against River Plate were a highlight and Vitor Roque proved why he is still a wonderkid to keep your eye on.

Flamengo's road to the final might not have been as dramatic, but it still proved why they are a Brazilian powerhouse. Just to note, they are two games away from beating Palmeira to the league title, as they sit five points behind them. Flamengo were quite lucky to make it out the group, as only their +3 goal difference edged them over Cordoba who also sat on 11 points. Their pivotal knockout moment was beating Estudiantes in the second leg of the quarter-finals in a nervy penalty shootout.

✌🧤 Agustín Rossi came up 𝓑𝓘𝓖 in the penalty shootout for @Flamengo_en! 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/7tDwP7Hqif

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) September 26, 2025

Team News

Palmeiras

Palmeira will be looking to build on that emphatic second-leg performance winning 4-0 against LDU Quito after being three goals down in the game prior. There is no relatively new team news for the Brazilian side. Miguel should keep his spot between the sticks as Weverton is still recovering from his fractured hand. It will be touch-and-go until kick off as the 37-year-old has returned to light training.

Lucas Evangelista, Paulinho and Figueiredo are all expected to be out with their respective injuries, but it will come as no shock to Palmeira boss Abel Ferreira.

Raphael Veiga could be introduced back into the starting 11 after his impressive semi final performance, scoring a double off the bench to cement his side's place in the final. The midfielder has been crucial to Palmeiras in recent years and will be looking to help his side win their 4th Copa Libertadores.

Other than that, it will be a relatively unchanged side for Palmeiras and apart from a few injuries, they look in good stead.

Flamengo

It's not looking good for Flamengo, as the team's number 9 Pedro is out for the final. The striker picked up a thigh injury in training nearly two weeks ago and isn't likely going to be able to return for the final. This is also a concern as backup striker Gonzalo Plata was controversially sent off in the semi-final second-leg against Racing Club. 34-year-old Bruno Henrique seems the most likely to lead the line for Flamengo as manager Filipe Luís aims to have a mobile winger operating the front line instead of an out-and-out striker.

Léo Ortiz and former Bundesliga midfielder Allan will both be out as they are still recovering from their surgeries and will be back for next season.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is looking to win his first Copa Liberatadores adding to a plethora of silverware he has already won.

Out of the two sides, Palmeira have a cleaner slate and will be better prepared going into tomorrow's game. However, despite Flamengo missing a couple of key players, the experience of Alex Sandro and Jorignho could give them an edge.

⌛🏆 We're 1⃣ day away from the CONMEBOL #Libertadores Final in Lima! 🇵🇪 pic.twitter.com/KFzDB0bttR

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) November 28, 2025

Predictions

These sorts of games are always so hard to predict. It's definitely bound to be a scrappy one and fans are going to be at each other after reports that there were altercations in the airport beforehand.

Goals are expected, and intensity from both sides. Palmeiras do have strength in numbers with a fit side compared to Flamengo who have a number of key players missing. However, individually Flamengo still have the stronger players on the ball and will look to dominate possession. Based on recent form, Flamengo are looking as the better side of the two as Palmeiras haven't won a single game in their last five.

It is an incredibly tough one to call, but we are going with Flamengo for this one. It's always a risky move going for the stronger side on paper, but the bookies do also favour Flamengo on this occasion. It is all set up for a Jorginho last minute penalty and if not, we riot.

All jokes aside, don't be surprised if Palmeiras pull it off as they have shown throughout the tournament that games can be won off hard work and resilience.