🎥 Fluminense become the first Copa Libertadores 2026 semi-finalists

Fluminense have become the first team to reach the Copa Libertadores 2026 semi-finals. The Brazilian club overcame an Argentine surprise team, emerging as one of the four best teams in this year's edition. They now face either LDU or Palmeiras in the semifinals after eliminating Platense on Tuesday (15).

Fluminense secured the win 2-0 at the Maracanã, but suffered a 2-1 defeat at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López in Buenos Aires. They advanced on aggregate. Initially, Fluminense struggled in the first half, committing several mistakes while trying to contain the opponent's momentum. Vázquez was criticized for receiving only a yellow card after catching Hulk on the thigh, and the same Vázquez made a crucial save from Fábio in the 25th minute.

The turning point came in the 30th minute when Mainero scored for Fluminense, capitalizing on space and luck. Despite this goal, Fluminense struggled to respond and faced further difficulties before halftime. Sepúlveda added another goal in the 47th minute by evading Thiago Silva to make it 2-0.

Fluminense made changes for the second half, but it took time for them to regain control of the game. They managed to equalize in the 57th minute through Canobbio's goal. The Tricolor side looked dangerous again in the 82nd minute, with Fábio making another crucial save from Zapiola's attempt. However, Platense was unable to capitalize on their late chances. With this result, Fluminense has qualified for the semifinals on Argentine soil.

Fluminense now awaits the winner between LDU and Palmeiras to determine their semifinal opponent. The second leg will be played on Wednesday (16) at Quito's high altitude. Palmeiras won the first leg 1-0. After their match against Fluminense, Fluminense returns to Brazil's Brasileirão next Sunday (20) to face Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena. They currently sit in fifth place and will face the 13th-placed side, who are on a run of five consecutive defeats.