GOLAZONEWSPalmeiras advance to Copa Libertadores final after beating Fluminense
- Palmeiras defeated Fluminense on penalties in the Copa Libertadores semifinal.
- Nonato missed a crucial penalty for Fluminense during the shootout.
- Palmeiras reaches their fourth Libertadores final in six years under Abel Ferreira.
Palmeiras secured a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores final by defeating Fluminense 5-3 on penalties, following a 0-1 loss in regulation time. The semifinal match took place at Nubank Parque on Wednesday.
During the shootout, Fluminense midfielder Nonato missed his attempt. According to Gato Mestre, this was only the second penalty the 28-year-old had taken in his professional career, with his previous attempt occurring seven years ago. The decision by Fluminense's coaching staff to have Nonato shoot before more experienced players like Hulk and Lucho Acosta became a point of discussion following the miss.
This victory marks Palmeiras' fourth Libertadores final appearance in the six years since Abel Ferreira took charge. While Fluminense demonstrated courage throughout both legs of the semifinal, they were ultimately eliminated before reaching the final.