Fluminense, Estudiantes, Palmeiras, and Boca Juniors have secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, set to take place in October.
Fluminense was the first team to reach the semifinals after defeating Platense 2-0 in the home leg. Although Platense equalized the series in the return leg, a goal from Agustín Canobbio gave Fluminense a total victory of 3-2. The Rio de Janeiro team is aiming to claim their second Libertadores title, having won their first in 2023 against Boca Juniors. Their next challenge will be against Palmeiras, last season’s runner-up, who was defeated by Flamengo in the previous final and is striving to win their fourth title in the tournament. Palmeiras qualified after eliminating Liga de Quito, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the series ended 3-3 over 180 minutes.
On the other side of the bracket, Estudiantes advanced after eliminating Corinthians and will face Flamengo or Independiente del Valle. Flamengo won the first leg against Independiente del Valle 2-0 in Quito, and they are expected to close the series on Thursday at 21:30 at the Maracanã Stadium. The Copa Libertadores semifinals are scheduled to have their first legs on October 13 and 14, with the second legs on October 20 and 21. The final will take place on Saturday, November 28 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay.
As for the Copa Sudamericana, Atlético Mineiro joined the semifinals after defeating Santos 3-1 on penalties, following a 4-4 draw in the knockout round. Mineiro will face the winner between Cienciano from Peru and Montevideo City Torque, who will play their return leg also on Thursday at 21:30, following the Peruvian victory of 2-0 in Cuzco. Moreover, Boca Juniors established their position in the next phase by drawing 1-1 with São Paulo, maintaining their 1-0 advantage from the first leg, and will face Vasco da Gama, who eliminated Independiente Santa Fe with a score of 2-0.
The Copa Sudamericana semifinals are scheduled for the same dates as the Libertadores, with first legs on October 13 and 14, and second legs on October 20 and 21, while the final is scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Source: www.infobae.com
