Estudiantes beat defending champions Flamengo 3–2 on penalties after two goalless legs, while Palmeiras beat Fluminense 5–3 on penalties. The finalists meet in Montevideo on 28 November.
Palmeiras and Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata have reached the final of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s leading club football competition. South America’s football governing body, CONMEBOL, has rejected Flamengo’s complaint challenging Estudiantes defender Marcos Rojo’s eligibility, Inside World Football said on 29 October, leaving the final pairing unchanged.
Flamengo alleged that Estudiantes had fielded Rojo while he was ineligible for the competition. Estudiantes signed the defender at the end of Argentina’s transfer window. The Argentine Football Association allowed his registration in the national championship as a replacement for an injured player, but CONMEBOL twice rejected his Libertadores registration.
The distinction matters because permission to play in Argentina’s national championship was separate from registration for the Libertadores. Flamengo had said before the semi-final’s second leg that it would challenge Rojo’s inclusion. Article 19 of CONMEBOL’s disciplinary code provides for a 3–0 defeat when a team is found responsible for improperly fielding a player.
Flamengo said in a statement that it would appeal the rejection to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. That is an announced intention to appeal, not confirmation that an appeal has been filed. The club said it remained committed to compliance with the regulations and to defending its rights and interests.
The 16-year-old was sent off at Fleetwood in his second start of the season, leaving Arsenal short of wing options before Sunday’s trip to Liverpool.
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| Finalist | Opponent | Outcome |
|---|
| Palmeiras | Fluminense | Won 5–3 on penalties |
| Estudiantes de La Plata | Flamengo, the defending champions | Two 0–0 draws; won 3–2 on penalties at the Maracana |
Palmeiras secured a second successive final appearance. Estudiantes became the first club from outside Brazil to reach the final since 2023.
Associated Press said in its 23 October account that Fernando Muslera saved the penalties taken by Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Henrique. Estudiantes had the better first-half opportunities, but Flamengo gained control after Baltasar Rodriguez received a second booking and was sent off in the 50th minute. Flamengo struggled to create chances, as in the first leg, and Estudiantes held out with ten men.
Palmeiras and Estudiantes are scheduled to meet at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 28 November. The eligibility decision leaves Estudiantes entitled to play; Flamengo’s next announced step is its intended appeal.
The appeal tribunal removed an additional suspended spectator ban, but each club must still play its next home Scottish Cup tie without fans and pay the visiting side £100,000.
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Ben Duckett’s career-best 167 and Liam Dawson’s four wickets give England a consolation win in Lahore, with Sri Lanka already through to the final against Pakistan.
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