⚽ CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2026 - Discussion Thread

[rdluffy]

I’m really pleased that this thread on the Libertadores has stayed alive; to be honest, I hadn’t held out much hope given the lack of interest in favour of the European Champions League, but it turns out that the beloved Copa Libertadores has a few fans even among bitcoiners.
What can I say? I’m really impressed by how difficult Fluminense are fighting, because losing to Bolívar was unexpected. I’m also disappointed in my beloved Boca, who are struggling to qualify, and I have to say that losing to Barcelona is unacceptable for a team aiming for victory.

I’m always watching and following the Libertadores, especially since my team, Corinthians, is playing this year and looks like it’s on track to finish in a good position
Your Boca Juniors really doesn’t look like the team I used to see in previous years, but I can say for sure that every Brazilian team respects Boca Juniors’ history in the Libertadores, it’s always a team to be reckoned with

A rare event happened in the Flamengo match for the Copa Libertadores: the game was canceled right at the stadium due to protests from the home team's fans. I don't think I've ever witnessed something like this involving Flamengo. Now, we just have to wait for the 3 points from a walkover victory (W.O.). Imagine the massive financial loss these protests caused for Independiente Medellín.

There are things that only happen around here
It’s surreal
They look more like a gang of criminals than fans



And they even hurt the team, Flamengo will likely get the 3 points, and Medellín will be the ones to suffer

[Varnquister]

Flamengo will face Cusco at home. If they want to finish first in the group, they absolutely cannot afford to drop points in this match. I think Flamengo will be demoralized after losing at home to Palmeiras two days ago, so Cusco might score in this match, but we have to acknowledge that there’s a huge gap in squad quality between the two teams. In terms of squad value, Flamengo is nearly 100 times more valuable than its opponent.

[rdluffy]

Flamengo will face Cusco at home. If they want to finish first in the group, they absolutely cannot afford to drop points in this match. I think Flamengo will be demoralized after losing at home to Palmeiras two days ago, so Cusco might score in this match, but we have to acknowledge that there’s a huge gap in squad quality between the two teams. In terms of squad value, Flamengo is nearly 100 times more valuable than its opponent.

I wouldn't make that bet 
Even though Flamengo lost in the Brasileirao, they're still a much better team than Cusco
Playing at home, I don't think they'll concede a goal
Flamengo has already secured first place in the group with 13 points,  they’re in a very comfortable position and should win this game without any trouble

Cusco has already been eliminated, but they should take advantage of the chance to gain experience playing in another country

There are some good games to watch today

[Varnquister]

Flamengo will face Cusco at home. If they want to finish first in the group, they absolutely cannot afford to drop points in this match. I think Flamengo will be demoralized after losing at home to Palmeiras two days ago, so Cusco might score in this match, but we have to acknowledge that there’s a huge gap in squad quality between the two teams. In terms of squad value, Flamengo is nearly 100 times more valuable than its opponent.

I wouldn't make that bet 
Even though Flamengo lost in the Brasileirao, they're still a much better team than Cusco
Playing at home, I don't think they'll concede a goal
Flamengo has already secured first place in the group with 13 points,  they’re in a very comfortable position and should win this game without any trouble

Cusco has already been eliminated, but they should take advantage of the chance to gain experience playing in another country

There are some good games to watch today

When I looked at the matches Cusco has played, I saw that they can score goals, but Flamengo is, of course, a team that’s far stronger than them. I thought that maybe Flamengo would make a mistake and give them a chance to score.
There are some really great matches today. We can say that the home teams are generally the favorites in these matches. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if teams like Grêmio, São Paulo, and Santos—Brazilian teams in general—come out on top in these matches.

[Italian Panic]

I’m worried about my Boca because they have had three bad games, and on at least two occasions they didn’t deserve to lose. To be honest, I was hoping for better, but instead we’ve slipped into danger of being knocked out after we’d had the better of River Plate. Now we have to hope that Cruzeiro lose to Barcelona (which is really difficult) and that we beat Universidad Católica, who are unexpectedly top of the table, or manage to beat them on goal difference.

[Jossque]

This will be a match where LDU Quito must avoid mistakes against Always to secure at least a draw. It’s hard to predict how the match between Mirassol and Lanús will end, but it would be best for Quito to win regardless of that result.
The matches in Group B could be more exciting. In the final match, Tolima will not want to lose to their opponent. If Universitario wins, they’ll have a chance to finish second in the group. Even if the match ends in a draw, I think Tolima can still finish second. Nacional’s overall goal difference is poor.

[Slow death]

Today there will be two games involving Brazilian teams. At the moment I'm writing this post, Lanus is playing against Mirassol. Mirassol is the leader of this group with 123 points thanks to 4 wins and 1 draw, while Lanus only has 7 points. They don't need to win today because even if they did, it wouldn't change their position in the table. With 7 points, they are in third place, while the second-placed team has 12 points, and this is the last round. So, everything is lost for Lanus, who will have to settle for the other cup even if they win today.

[Varnquister]

Estudiantes managed to win the match against Independiente with a goal scored in the final minutes. Estudiantes virtually dominated their opponent throughout the match. They could have scored more goals against their opponent in this match; in fact, they failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.
In another match in the group, Flamengo managed to defeat their opponent 3-0. The match remained scoreless until the final minutes, and Flamengo scored three goals against their opponent in the last 10 minutes, securing three points with those three goals.

[Nalain420]

Estudiantes managed to win the match against Independiente with a goal scored in the final minutes. Estudiantes virtually dominated their opponent throughout the match. They could have scored more goals against their opponent in this match; in fact, they failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.
In another match in the group, Flamengo managed to defeat their opponent 3-0. The match remained scoreless until the final minutes, and Flamengo scored three goals against their opponent in the last 10 minutes, securing three points with those three goals.

For this, Amondarain went ahead and scored a goal with tight work and it was also difficult for him because time was running out and he had some time in which he scored and at the last minute he scored and joined the celebration of victory. Winning the game in such a late time is also a strength that is found in some players. Therefore, we can see the result of the game, we can also see the goal in the last minute, the players of both teams worked hard and wanted to stop each other from scoring. They have already become the best team and will be even better by winning this match. They have also scored goals and at the same time they have done their best so that their opponents could not score.

[Varnquister]

In Group H, Libertad failed to secure a win in a match where they were the favorites. Libertad finished the group stage without earning any points. With this victory, UCV managed to hold onto its third-place position. Although they had no chance of finishing in the top two, they still managed to win. In the group’s other match, Independiente secured the win with a penalty goal scored in the second half. Independiente could have scored more goals in this match but struggled to find the net. Both teams finished the group stage with 13 points.

[rdluffy]

Today features the last 4 group stage matches of the Libertadores, to determine the final teams that will qualify for the Round of 16

Cerro Porteño × Sporting Cristal
Estadio Defensores La Nueva Olla, Asunción (Paraguai)

Palmeiras × Atlético Junior
Allianz Parque, São Paulo (Brasil)

Boca Juniors × Universidad Católica
La Bombonera, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Cruzeiro × Barcelona SC
Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (Brasil)

Palmeiras need to win to secure the spot and maybe the first place
Boca Juniors will have a hard match to try to classify, I think there's a great chance to not classify this year

[Nalain420]

In Group H, Libertad failed to secure a win in a match where they were the favorites. Libertad finished the group stage without earning any points. With this victory, UCV managed to hold onto its third-place position. Although they had no chance of finishing in the top two, they still managed to win. In the group’s other match, Independiente secured the win with a penalty goal scored in the second half. Independiente could have scored more goals in this match but struggled to find the net. Both teams finished the group stage with 13 points.

None of their players could score a goal. If they had found the goal and scored it, they would have won, but they were only one goal heavier. Cuesta's goal in the 61st minute made them focus on it and this will be their effort in the future as well, for which they could win this match. They are still some distance from what he did, but the kind of victory and hard work they are doing, they can reach it. This was also a 1-goal victory for them and the teams in this group are winning by 1-1 goals, which is also great, but they should go further so that their players score more goals and win in difficult moments. Now the battle between these two will continue and their hard work will have to continue in the entire group.

[Adiljutt156]

Estudiantes managed to win the match against Independiente with a goal scored in the final minutes. Estudiantes virtually dominated their opponent throughout the match. They could have scored more goals against their opponent in this match; in fact, they failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.
In another match in the group, Flamengo managed to defeat their opponent 3-0. The match remained scoreless until the final minutes, and Flamengo scored three goals against their opponent in the last 10 minutes, securing three points with those three goals.

For this, Amondarain went ahead and scored a goal with tight work and it was also difficult for him because time was running out and he had some time in which he scored and at the last minute he scored and joined the celebration of victory. Winning the game in such a late time is also a strength that is found in some players. Therefore, we can see the result of the game, we can also see the goal in the last minute, the players of both teams worked hard and wanted to stop each other from scoring. They have already become the best team and will be even better by winning this match. They have also scored goals and at the same time they have done their best so that their opponents could not score.

Estudiantes de La Plata football team played very well against Independiente Medellín football team because that team did 1 goal in this match and opponent team did no goal in this match. Amondarain was a person who did goal of the match and he did this goal at the 92 minutes of the match. Estudiantes de La Plata  team looked in excellent form as their shots were more in this match and these were 14 in this match and 5 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 72 percent in this match and passes of that team were more in this match. The pass accuracy of that team was also brilliant in this match as that was 87 percent in this match and opponent team could not do any goal in this match and they lose this match at the end.

[yenerbatmaz]

I watched the highlights of Corinthians' Libertadores Cup match, a team struggling in the Brazilian league. Corinthians played very poorly. They didn't create a single chance to challenge their opponent. The first goal they conceded came from a penalty. VAR alerted the referee, and the penalty was awarded. In the second half, the Corinthians goalkeeper made a big mistake, and Zapiola of Platense made it 0-2. On paper, Corinthians were the big favorites, but Platense defeated them 0-2. If Corinthians continues like this, they will be fighting to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league.

[mandown]

I watched the highlights of Corinthians' Libertadores Cup match, a team struggling in the Brazilian league. Corinthians played very poorly. They didn't create a single chance to challenge their opponent. The first goal they conceded came from a penalty. VAR alerted the referee, and the penalty was awarded. In the second half, the Corinthians goalkeeper made a big mistake, and Zapiola of Platense made it 0-2. On paper, Corinthians were the big favorites, but Platense defeated them 0-2. If Corinthians continues like this, they will be fighting to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league.

My friend, don't think that the Libertadores Cup matches will be like the Champions League. I watched Flamengo's match last night, and it was terrible. It was like amateur teams were playing. Flamengo won 3-0, but there was no quality football. After the Champions League final on Saturday, we'll be taking a long break from quality football.

Because we're not seeing quality football in the World Cup either. The pinnacle of football is the European Champions League.

[rdluffy]

I watched the highlights of Corinthians' Libertadores Cup match, a team struggling in the Brazilian league. Corinthians played very poorly. They didn't create a single chance to challenge their opponent. The first goal they conceded came from a penalty. VAR alerted the referee, and the penalty was awarded. In the second half, the Corinthians goalkeeper made a big mistake, and Zapiola of Platense made it 0-2. On paper, Corinthians were the big favorites, but Platense defeated them 0-2. If Corinthians continues like this, they will be fighting to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league.

I'm a Corinthians fan, and I'll tell you that lately my team has been like this:

They win some very difficult matches against strong opponents and even won 2x championship twice last year and have already won another title this year

But then, in games like this, against weak teams, it seems like they've forgotten how to play football, haha
You have to consider that Corinthians was already qualified and this this reduces motivation

At least the team qualified, but now in the round of 16 there's no room for mistakes or defeats playing at home

[criptoevangelista]

I watched the highlights of Corinthians' Libertadores Cup match, a team struggling in the Brazilian league. Corinthians played very poorly. They didn't create a single chance to challenge their opponent. The first goal they conceded came from a penalty. VAR alerted the referee, and the penalty was awarded. In the second half, the Corinthians goalkeeper made a big mistake, and Zapiola of Platense made it 0-2. On paper, Corinthians were the big favorites, but Platense defeated them 0-2. If Corinthians continues like this, they will be fighting to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league.

I'm a Corinthians fan, and I'll tell you that lately my team has been like this:

They win some very difficult matches against strong opponents and even won 2x championship twice last year and have already won another title this year

But then, in games like this, against weak teams, it seems like they've forgotten how to play football, haha
You have to consider that Corinthians was already qualified and this this reduces motivation

At least the team qualified, but now in the round of 16 there's no room for mistakes or defeats playing at home

You're not the only one suffering from this, my friend @rdluffy. My beloved team Flamengo also has this terrible habit of playing poorly against weaker teams. It's so frustrating, and it completely ruins all expectations when it comes to betting at casinos hahahaha. It's complicated and totally unpredictable; no matter how much the numbers are in your favor, some small, weak team comes along and wins... it's a real struggle!!!

[Varnquister]

Boca Juniors failed to beat Universidad Católica and finished third in the group. If they had won, they would have had a chance to finish at least second—I’m not entirely sure of the group rules, but their points would have been tied. The fact that they couldn’t score despite dominating the match shows just how ineptly they took their shots. While Boca Juniors took 22 shots throughout the match but failed to score a single goal, Universidad Católica scored on their first on-target shot and managed to advance from the group as the leader.

[rdluffy]

...

You're not the only one suffering from this, my friend @rdluffy. My beloved team Flamengo also has this terrible habit of playing poorly against weaker teams. It's so frustrating, and it completely ruins all expectations when it comes to betting at casinos hahahaha. It's complicated and totally unpredictable; no matter how much the numbers are in your favor, some small, weak team comes along and wins... it's a real struggle!!!

At least our teams qualified, hehehe, and we'll be able to watch a few more Libertadores matches
But I still believe that your Flamengo is much better than my team, with more resources, and more players capable of reversing the situation right now 

Take a look at the round of 16 after the group stage

• Estudiantes x Universidad Católica
• Rosario Central x Corinthians
  
• Cruzeiro x Flamengo
  
• Tolima x Independiente del Valle
  
• Mirassol x LDU
• Palmeiras x Cerro Porteño
• Platense x Coquimbo Unido
• Fluminense x Independiente Rivadavia

What do you think guys?

[Jossque]

Palmeiras managed to finish second in the group after beating Atl. Junior 4–1 at home. Palmeiras absolutely had to win this match because, had Sporting Cristal beaten Cerro Porteno and Palmeiras lost, they would have had no chance of progressing from the group.
Cerro Porteno and Palmeiras managed to finish as the top two teams in Group F.