2025 Copa Libertadores Final: Lineups, Absences, Stats, and Where to Watch Palmeiras vs. Flamengo!

Excited for the most important football match in South America this year? Palmeiras and Flamengo will play the 2025 Copa Libertadores Final this Saturday, November 29, at 6 p.m., in a clash that promises to intensify the growing rivalry between the Brazilian giants — and you can plan your Sports Betting, always responsibly.

The Monumental Stadium in Lima, the capital of Peru, hosts the CONMEBOL tournament’s final again after six years. Will Flamengo reclaim Eternal Glory at the same venue where they made a historic comeback against River Plate in the final minutes of 2019? Or will Palmeiras once again become the villain for their rival, just as in the 2021 final?

For many, Andreas Pereira is the game’s central storyline. Four years ago, the midfielder was playing for Flamengo and made a mistake in extra time that led to Deyverson’s goal and Palmeiras’ 2–1 victory. Now at Palmeiras, he could win his first Libertadores title against his former club — or remain empty-handed, a storyline that has dominated social media since the finalists were confirmed.

One thing is guaranteed for this weekend’s match: Brazil will become the country with the most Libertadores titles, reaching its 26th trophy and extending its seven-year continental dominance. Whoever wins will also become the Brazilian club with the most titles in the competition, surpassing their rival along with Santos, São Paulo, and Grêmio.

What to Know About Palmeiras Before the Copa Libertadores Final

A three-time Libertadores champion (1999, 2020, 2021), Palmeiras arrives at this year’s final under pressure. After winning ten trophies since taking over, coach Abel Ferreira faces a potential first: finishing the season without lifting a single title.

Following a R$ 700 million investment in 12 new signings, the Portuguese manager has been criticized for the team’s performances. Worse: he was booed by fans at Allianz Parque during the derby against rivals Corinthians (who also denied Palmeiras their fourth consecutive state championship).

This might sound like Palmeiras is out of contention, but the club is still fighting for two trophies. The Brasileirão has become more difficult after a streak of five winless matches.

For now, Abel has turned his full attention to the Monumental final — a match that could make him surpass Oswaldo Brandão as the most successful manager in the club’s history — and, of course, he is using all his psychological tactics while preparing a team known for its competitiveness.

Libertadores Campaign

Starting in the Group Stage, Palmeiras led Group G with six wins, 17 goals scored, and only four conceded — finishing ahead of Cerro Porteño, Bolívar, and Sporting Cristal. The knockout phase began smoothly: a 4–0 win against Universitario in Lima and a scoreless draw at Allianz Parque.

In the Quarter-Finals, the opponent was River Plate. After winning 2–1 at the Mâs Monumental, Palmeiras defeated the Argentinians again, 3–1 at home.

The Semifinal clash came against LDU in Quito, where Palmeiras lost 3–0 at altitude and needed an epic comeback to advance: a 4–0 victory secured their seventh Libertadores final appearance.

Recent Form After Qualification

Since securing their spot in the final, Palmeiras have not impressed. In seven matches, the team collected two wins, two draws, and three losses — scoring seven goals and conceding six.

Worse: they are currently on a five-match winless streak. Against Grêmio in Porto Alegre, a reserve lineup lost 3–2, finally breaking a three-game goalless run. As a result, the Brasileirão runner-up trails Flamengo by five points and could be overtaken by Cruzeiro this weekend.

Key Players in the Libertadores

After a quiet start at Palmeiras, striker Flaco López has secured a starting role and is having a strong season. With 23 goals and seven assists, he even earned chances with the Argentinian national team — and he has scored seven of Palmeiras’ 30 goals in the Libertadores.

Another crucial offensive figure is forward Vitor Roque, the club’s marquee signing for the FIFA Club World Cup. After a slow start with no goal contributions, the 20-year-old now has 20 goals and five assists — including four goals and two assists in the Libertadores.

With important players leaving, such as winger Estêvão and midfielder Richard Ríos, Palmeiras also saw Raphael Veiga's form dip, leading to his temporary benching — though he is recovering, as shown by his two goals in the heroic comeback against LDU.

Midfielder Andreas Pereira, who arrived only months ago, has already become a guaranteed starter. Despite appearing in only four Libertadores matches and contributing two goals and one assist, he stands out with an average of 4.5 recoveries per game and controls the midfield rhythm.

Defensively, the standout is center-back Gustavo Gómez. With 7.4 clearances per match, the captain has been directly responsible for the team’s five clean sheets in the tournament. Another key pillar is left-back Joaquín Piquerez, part of Palmeiras’ recent successful era, who has helped the team concede only nine goals and has added a goal and two assists.

Absences and Doubts for the Final

Abel Ferreira will be without two injured players: left winger Paulinho and midfielder Lucas Evangelista. Both traveled with the squad to Lima but only to support the team.

Goalkeeper Weverton might return to the starting lineup after recovering from a finger injury. He was on the bench in the 3–2 loss to Grêmio and could play — depending on whether Abel prefers the veteran idol or the rising Carlos Miguel.

Expected Lineup

Carlos Miguel (or Weverton); Khelven, Murilo, Gustavo Gómez, and Piquerez; Allan, Emiliano Martínez (or Aníbal Moreno), Andreas Pereira, and Sosa; Vitor Roque and Flaco López.

What to Know About Flamengo Before the Copa Libertadores Final

A Libertadores champion in 1981, Flamengo needed 38 years to reclaim the continental throne — and did so in grand style, with a comeback win over River Plate in 2019 at the same Monumental Stadium that will host this year’s final. After losing the 2021 decider to Palmeiras, the Rubro-Negro won the title the following year and now has a chance to stand alone as the Brazilian club with the most championships in the tournament.

Led by club idol Filipe Luís for the past year, Flamengo has had a season of ups and downs — but remained competitive at all times. The team impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Chelsea 3–1, is close to winning the Brasileirão, and is coming off strong performances… but disappointed with a Round of 16 elimination in the Copa do Brasil and fell well short of competing for the FIFA Super Club World Cup.

Even so, the squad is guided by a young manager deeply connected to the club and considered one of the most promising names of his generation. The former left-back could become the ninth person to win the Libertadores both as a player and as a coach, claiming the title for the third time. To do that, he will need to avenge the painful 2021 defeat — against the same Palmeiras with whom Flamengo shares the status of the leading power in Brazil and South America.

Libertadores Campaign

Considered title contenders since the start of the Group Stage, Flamengo finished second in the group with three wins, two draws, and one loss — tying LDU in points but scoring one goal fewer, which kept them from finishing first. As a result, their Round of 16 opponent was Internacional, whom they defeated twice: 1–0 at the Maracanã and 2–0 at Beira Rio.

The Quarter-Finals paired Flamengo with Estudiantes in a very tough matchup. After winning 2–1 at the Maracanã, Flamengo lost 1–0 in La Plata but advanced by winning the penalty shootout 4–2.

Argentina remained in Flamengo’s path in the Semifinals, this time against Racing — the 2024 Copa Sudamericana champions. After a hard-fought 1–0 victory at the Maracanã, the team secured a scoreless draw at Presidente Perón Stadium, punching their ticket to the Peruvian capital.

Recent Form After Qualification

Since securing their place in the Libertadores Final, Flamengo has stayed strong in the fight for the Brasileirão title. Across seven matches, they recorded four wins, two draws, and just one loss — a 2–1 defeat to Fluminense. Despite the Fla-Flu setback, Filipe Luís’ side scored 18 goals and conceded only eight.

Flamengo could have traveled to Lima already as Brasileirão champions, but a 1–1 draw with Atlético-MG postponed the possible title celebration (even with Palmeiras losing to Grêmio in Porto Alegre). Leading the league, Flamengo holds a five-point advantage at the top with only two rounds remaining and needs just two points to secure the championship.

Key Players in the Libertadores

Known as a reliable left-back throughout his playing career, Filipe Luís has built a team with defensive quality: Flamengo has conceded only five goals in the Libertadores — the best defensive record in the tournament by far.

Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi is one of the main reasons for that success, averaging 2.1 saves per match with an 83% save rate — and eight clean sheets. Alongside him, center-back Léo Ortiz is an undisputed starter, averaging 4.5 recoveries and 4.2 clearances per match.

And when talking about Flamengo’s standouts, it is impossible not to mention midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan has 23 goals and 16 assists in 59 matches this season and leads the team in xG (Expected Goals): 1.79.

In attack, right winger Luiz Araújo has secured his place as a guaranteed starter: he has 13 goals and nine assists in 2025, playing 63 matches and posting 1.47 xG. And what about forward Bruno Henrique, one of the most important figures of Flamengo’s modern era? He has 15 goals and two assists this season — including key performances, such as the 3–1 win over Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

Absences and Doubts for the Final

Despite spending time on the bench earlier in the year, striker Pedro bounced back and regained his position. For that reason, Filipe Luís will feel his absence — Pedro was initially doubtful due to a forearm fracture but has now been officially ruled out with a thigh injury. Another confirmed absence in attack is Gonzalo Plata, suspended after being sent off against Racing.

The good news is the return of center-back Léo Ortiz, recovered from an ankle sprain. A starter for most of the season, he trained normally and will be available for the final.

Expected Lineup

Rossi; Danilo, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Pulgar, and De Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo (or Samuel Lino), Carrascal, and Bruno Henrique.

Head-to-Head Record Between Palmeiras and Flamengo

São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro form one of Brazil’s fiercest interstate rivalries, and naturally, that extends to football. Intensified in recent years due to the prominence of both clubs, the history between Flamengo and Palmeiras began in the 1940 Rio-São Paulo Tournament — when the Rubro-Negro defeated Palestra Itália 3–1.

Since then, the teams have met in 113 official matches, and the rivalry is extremely balanced: Palmeiras has 40 wins, Flamengo has 39, and there have been 34 draws. The most common scoreline is 1–1, which has happened 19 times (a result that would send the final to penalties).

However, recent history heavily favors Flamengo. Over the last 20 encounters, the Rio club has nine wins, eight draws, and only three losses.

But when the matches take place on neutral ground, the story shifts: Palmeiras has one loss, one draw, and three wins — including the 2023 Supercopa do Brasil and the 2021 Libertadores Final.

To top it off, Flamengo could celebrate if they repeat the outcomes of their two meetings with Palmeiras earlier this season: they won both Brasileirão clashes. In the first round, Filipe Luís’ squad visited Allianz Parque and left with a 2–0 win. The Maracanã match ended with a 3–2 victory for the Rio side.

Comparison Between Palmeiras and Flamengo in the 2025 Copa Libertadores

Now it’s time to look at some additional numbers to help you understand what to expect. We reviewed the head-to-head comparison between Palmeiras and Flamengo on Sofascore, considering only each team’s 12 matches in the 2025 Copa Libertadores.

Remember: none of this guarantees or predicts results, because sports are unpredictable — especially South American football. And since this is a final, the psychological factor matters a lot, and anything can happen!

Attacking Data

Looking at offensive metrics, Palmeiras is more dangerous: they scored 30 goals compared to Flamengo’s 12 — meaning the Verdão averages 2.5 goals per match, well above the Rubro-Negro’s 1 per game.

And yes, Abel Ferreira’s team tends to shoot more: 6.8 times per match, ahead of Filipe Luís’ team with 4.7. This also means a higher average of big chances created per game: 3.7 (compared to 2.5 for the Cariocas).

There is balance in just one attacking statistic: big chances missed. Palmeiras averages 1.6 per game, slightly better than Flamengo’s 1.7.

To complete the picture, it’s worth noting that Abel can be proud of having a team with more favorable numbers: an average xG of 1.7 per match, ahead of the finalists’ 2.3 (xGA).

Passing Data

Flamengo is a team that generally keeps possession, averaging 60.8% in the Libertadores — above Palmeiras’ 51.3%.

This also leads to a higher number of accurate passes per match: 457.3, with an 85.7% accuracy rate. Their opponent averages 305.6 accurate passes per game, with 79.7% effectiveness.

However, the Allianz Parque team has an advantage in accurate long balls per match: an average of 23.8, completing 52% of attempts. Flamengo has a higher accuracy (54%) but uses the long-ball resource less frequently: 19.5 times per game.

Defensive Data

As mentioned earlier, the Rubro-Negro has the best defense in the Libertadores, conceding only five goals (Palmeiras conceded nine). This translates to an average of 0.4 goals conceded per match, compared to 0.8 by their opponent.

However, both teams show balance in clean sheets: Flamengo leads with eight, while Palmeiras collected seven.

Flamengo’s defensive efficiency can also be explained by its 2.1 saves per match, compared to Palmeiras’ 3.1. In addition, Flamengo’s defenders average 14.8 tackles per game — ahead of Palmeiras’ 13.9.

But Abel Ferreira’s team leads in one defensive metric: clearances per match, averaging 27.5. For Filipe Luís’ defense, the number is considerably lower at 22.3.

Fouls and Cards

Palmeiras also has the advantage in average fouls per match: 8.7, a better number than Flamengo’s 9.5.

But in terms of yellow cards, Flamengo has the more favorable stat: 1.6 per match versus Palmeiras’ 1.9. However, the Rio team is the only one to have had players sent off: two red cards.

Predictions for the 2025 Copa Libertadores Final

We’ve talked about stats, absences, and standout players who may leave their mark on the Monumental Stadium in Lima — but what do bettors expect? Keep in mind that odds fluctuate over time and do not guarantee results; they only reflect current favoritism (and in this case, balance).

Flamengo starts as the favorite to win in regulation time, with 2.44 odds to win in 90 minutes — compared to 3.3 for Palmeiras. A draw is listed at 2.94, which would lead the match to extra time (and possibly penalties). Speaking only of who will become a four-time champion, regardless of method, Flamengo remains the favorite: 1.72 versus Palmeiras’ 2.2.

Have you imagined Palmeiras and Flamengo going to extra time in the Libertadores final again? The odds of that happening with the same outcome as 2021 are 13.0, while the scenario of Flamengo “returning the favor” pays 11.0.

If penalties are needed — as has happened in 12 previous Libertadores finals — both teams are tied with odds of 9.0. If that happens, it would be Palmeiras’ second win in a shootout or Flamengo’s first./

Where to Watch the 2025 Copa Libertadores Final

You won’t lack options to watch Palmeiras vs. Flamengo. The 2025 Libertadores Final will be broadcast on Globo (free-to-air TV) and ESPN (cable TV) — and simultaneously on Disney+. Other digital platforms showing the match include Paramount and Ge TV on YouTube.

Bet on the 2025 Copa Libertadores Final at Blaze!

Whether you’re rooting for Palmeiras, Flamengo, or simply hoping for a thrilling match, there’s no denying the 2025 Libertadores Final promises excitement and a historic title. You can place your predictions without issue, since MESP Ordinance No. 125/2024 authorizes betting on the CONMEBOL tournament.

But before that, remember the importance of always inviting responsibility to the game. Understand all risks involved — from potential financial losses to impacts on your mental health (and even the possibility of addiction). Betting is for entertainment only, not a source of income or investment. Never use money you cannot afford to lose or that compromises your obligations.

We always share our Sports Betting Encyclopedia, where you can find tips on planning your predictions, so you already know this warning: study the data, statistics, head-to-head records, and player performances — and place your bets consciously and responsibly.

Ready for the match of the year? Bet on the 2025 Copa Libertadores Final at Blaze and good luck!