Defending champions Palmeiras downed Flamengo 2-1 in an all-Brazilian final that went to extra time to win the Copa Libertadores title yet again on Saturday. As the final whistle secured the third title for the Sao Paulo-based club, celebrations erupted on the streets in the metropolis, regardless of new concerns about COVID-19.

The champions opened the scoring at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo through Raphael Veiga early. Flamengo, who were slated as the favourites for the final, levelled in the second half thanks to Gabriel Barbosa. Substitute Deyverson netted the winner in the first half of extra time.

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Palmeiras became the first team in 20 years to win back-to-back titles. Boca Juniors won the Copa Libertadores in 2000 and 2001, with the first of those wins coming against Palmeiras in the final, which prevented the Brazilian team from retaining their inaugural trophy.

Thanks to Flamengo defender David Luiz, a counterattack begun by defender Gustavo Gomez found right back Mayke free and onside. In the sixth minute, Mayke’s low cross found Raphael Veiga, who placed it past Diego Alves.

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Flamengo squandered chances in the second half and didn’t tie the game until the 72nd minute, thanks to leading scorer Gabriel Barbosa. Gabigol, who was assisted by Giorgian de Arrascaeta, scored from close range against goalie Weverton, who was unable to prevent the strike.

Barbosa scored both goals in Flamengo’s 2-1 Copa final victory over River Plate, the club’s second and final trophy of the year.

At the end of regulation time, the score of 1-1 appeared to be fair. Palmeiras, on the other hand, didn’t take long to reclaim the lead.

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The game was decided by a slip by Flamengo player Andreas Pereira in the 95th minute. Deyverson, who had come on for a tired Veiga minutes previously, carried the ball alone and smoothly beat Alves.

“I had ups and downs here, I made many mistakes, but I never stopped working,” the striker, in tears, said, the Associated Press reported.

Both finalists in the Copa Sudamericana, won by Athletico, also came from Brazil. This year marked the first time all four finalists of both Copas came from the same country.

With inputs from the Associated Press