August 14 – On Tuesday, Gremio opened the knockout phase of the Copa Libertadores with a 2-1 first-leg round of sixteen victory against defending champions Fluminense in an all-Brazilian affair.
With two late goals from Reinaldo, the club from Rio Grande do Sul came from behind to claim the advantage ahead of the return leg at the Maracana. In the 58th minute, Lima had given the visitors the lead. With six minutes left on the clock, Gremio’s Rodrigo Ely was sent off. In the night’s other results, Colo Colo defeated Junior 1-0 and San Lorenzo drew with Atletico Mineiro 1-1.
Fluminense manager Mano Menezes, Fernando Diniz’s successor, said: “When we were pressured, we lost the game. We no longer held the ball up front, we no longer had a clear exit, which is necessary, otherwise the opponent will crush you.”
Last year, Fluminense won the competition for the first time, overcoming Buenos Aires giants Boca Juniors 2-1 on home soil after extra time. The last five finals of the Copa Libertadores have all been won by Brazilian clubs and the country will be the favourite to clinch the competition again in 2024.
Gremio – Fluminense is one of two all-Brazilian ties with no less than seven Brazilian clubs competing in the second of the competition. On Wednesday, Botafogo host Palmeiras in the first leg of their matchup. Flamengo take on Bolivar and Sao Paulo meet Nacional.
On November 30, Buenos Aires will host the final of the competition. The winner will receive $23 million in prize money and join Palmeiras, Flamengo and Fluminense next year at the expanded Club World Cup in the United States.
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