In a dramatic all-Brazilian final, Flamengo defeated Palmeiras 1-0 on Saturday, November 30, 2025, to be crowned champions of South America and write a new chapter in the club's illustrious history.
The victory, secured at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru, marks Flamengo's fourth Copa Libertadores title, making them the most successful Brazilian team in the competition's history.
A Tense Final Decided by a Single Header
The highly anticipated clash between the two Brazilian giants was a physical and often scrappy affair, with the referee's book seeing plenty of action. The match was littered with 33 fouls and seven yellow cards, reflecting the high stakes on the continent's biggest stage.
Flamengo created the better opportunities in the first half, with Bruno Henrique and Samuel Lino both threatening the Palmeiras goal. The Rio-based club was fortunate, however, not to be reduced to ten men after a mass confrontation in the 30th minute, from which Erick Pulgar escaped with only a booking.
Danilo Emerges as the Unlikely Hero
The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute, and it was an unlikely source that provided the decisive moment. Flamengo's star playmaker, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, delivered a perfect corner kick from the right flank.
Rising to meet it was center-back Danilo, who was left completely unmarked by the Palmeiras defense. His powerful, unchallenged header found the back of the net, sending the Flamengo faithful into raptures and ultimately securing the trophy.
Revenge and the Road to a Historic Treble
This victory was particularly sweet for Flamengo as it avenged their painful 2-1 defeat to the same opponents in the 2021 final. The win also puts the club firmly on track for an incredible hat-trick of major trophies in 2025.
Having already won the Brazilian Super Cup at the start of the year, Flamengo now needs just two points from their final two league games to clinch the Brazilian domestic championship, completing a historic treble.
For Palmeiras, the match will be remembered as a missed opportunity. They were left ruing a golden chance to equalize in the 89th minute when Vitor Roque somehow blasted the ball over the bar from point-blank range, summing up a frustrating night for the São Paulo side.
With this triumph, Flamengo's third since 2019, the club draws level with Argentina's Estudiantes on four titles and now sets its sights on the record of seven titles held by Independiente of Argentina.
