Fluminense Hold On Despite Defeat
Fluminense booked their place in the Copa Libertadores semifinals on Tuesday, losing 2-1 to Platense in Buenos Aires but advancing 3-2 on aggregate. The Brazilian club, champions in 2023, had built a two-goal cushion from the first leg at the Maracanã Stadium, where Nonato and Hulk found the net. That advantage proved decisive even as the Argentine side fought back.[S1]
Platense turned the tie around before half-time. Guido Mainero struck in the 30th minute and Bruno Sepúlveda added a second in the 45th, pulling the hosts level at 2-2 on aggregate. The comeback was short-lived, however, as Agustín Canobbio restored Fluminense's aggregate lead in the 57th minute with what proved to be the winning goal.[S1]
A Rare Semifinal for Fluminense
This is only the third time Fluminense have reached the Copa Libertadores semifinals. Their previous appearances at this stage came in 2008 and three years ago. The result ends a remarkable campaign for Platense, who had never before come so close to a semifinal and fell just short of a first-ever last-four berth.[S1]
Fluminense will now meet the winner of Wednesday's quarterfinal between Liga Deportiva de Quito and Palmeiras. Elsewhere, Corinthians and Estudiantes will decide their 1-1 tie on Wednesday, and defending champions Flamengo face Independiente del Valle on Thursday. The final is scheduled for Nov. 28 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay.[S1]
