Copa Libertadores Report: Palmeiras 1-0 Santos

Palmeiras won their first Copa Libertadores title in twenty years on Saturday night with a goal from Breno Lopes in the fifth minute of added time, beating local rivals Santos.  

In what was the first all-Brazillian final since 2006, Rony curled an inch perfect cross to the left back who headed over a stranded John Victor. 

This is only Palmeiras’ second Copa Libertadores title and the relief was evident seconds from the ball hitting the net as the entire bench poured onto the pitch, with tears visible in their eyes. 

Despite losing the final in the cruellest possible way, Santos will have their heads held after a memorable run in the competition, which reasserted the O Peixe as one of South America’s top clubs. Ten years on from their last taste of the eternal glory, when they saw off Boca Juniors, Grêmio, and L.D.U. Quito. 

Such a run ensured that Santos arrived into the final battle handed and ready for a final not like any other. Played out in the Maracanã Stadium, this was also a Clássico da Saudade, one of the most heated derbies in world football.

As a result, this was often a slow and tepid game with chances few and far between. Rony had an excellent opportunity after nine minutes, but his effort was tame and easily caught by Victor. 

At the start of the second half, Adriano's twisted free and ran towards goal. As he looked to break free of the Santos back four, Luan Peres got across and cleared the ball out for a throw in. 

O Pexie’s best chance of the game was a from a curling free kick by Lucas Veríssimo. The defender, who signed for Portuguese giants Benfica after the game, powered a curling shot inches over the Palmeiras cross bar. Goal-keeper Weverton was left stranded as the ball sailed into an empty stand. 

The winner came in the fifth minute of eight minutes of added time. Shortly before Lopes headed in the winner, Santos manager Cuca saw red for attempting to intercept a throw in. The manager was outraged and instead of heading away, he hopped into the stands to chant with the meagre group of Santos supporters. Unfortunately, as soon as he settled in, he turned around to see Lopes’ looping header. 

Victory has qualified Palmeiras now for the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday evening in Qatar. The Brazilians will be travelling to the Middle East looking to become the first South American club to win the trophy since Corinthians beat Chelsea in the 2012 final. 



    About Dylan O'Connell

    Dylan is a freelance journalist based in Cork. He joined Extratime in 2016 and he covers games all across Ireland. His bylines include The Echo, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, The 42, RTÉ Sport, and Irish … View Full Profile