Copa Libertadores: Palmeiras and Flamengo Confirm Their Favoritism On The Road

The opening week of the 2025 Copa Libertadores wrapped up with a thrilling conclusion as Palmeiras and Flamengo secured important results in their respective group-stage clashes. Palmeiras edged Sporting Cristal in a dramatic 3-2 contest. Flamengo narrowly overcame Deportivo Táchira in a tense 1-0 win. And Bahia shared the spoils with Internacional in an exciting 1-1 draw.

With the first round of matches complete, the competition is already shaping up to deliver plenty of drama as the battle for South American supremacy heats up.

Sporting Cristal 2-3 Palmeiras

Palmeiras launched their 2025 Copa Libertadores campaign with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Sporting Cristal in Lima on Thursday night. In a match marked by momentum shifts and highlight-reel goals, the Brazilian champions were pushed to the limit but emerged with all three points.

After a sluggish opening, 16-year-old sensation Estêvão broke the deadlock with a clinical finish to give Palmeiras the lead. Sporting Cristal responded swiftly through a thunderous long-range strike from Gerald Távara Pretell, bringing the home crowd to life.

The second half unfolded with even more intensity. Flaco López earned a penalty following a driving run, which Joaquín Piquerez coolly converted to restore Palmeiras' advantage. Yet Cristal struck back almost instantly — Martín Távara unleashed a spectacular equalizer to make it 2–2.

With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Richard Ríos found the winner deep into stoppage time. The Colombian midfielder capped off a swift counterattack, finishing from close range after a clever assist from Luighi.

The win places Palmeiras second in Group G, level on points with Cerro Porteño but trailing on goal difference. Up next, Verdão return to domestic action against Sport Recife before hosting Cerro Porteño in a high-stakes group-stage clash on April 9.

Deportivo Táchira 0-1 Flamengo

Flamengo opened their 2024 Copa Libertadores journey with a gritty 1–0 win over Deportivo Táchira in San Cristóbal. While the performance lacked flair, the result was all that mattered for the Rubro-Negro.

The first half was largely uneventful, with Flamengo controlling possession but failing to threaten. Their clearest opportunity came when Luiz Araújo was put through by Michael, only to see his tame effort saved.

Manager Filipe Luís turned to his bench in search of inspiration — and found it. Juninho, introduced in the second half, scored moments after stepping onto the pitch. The decisive move began with Alex Sandro linking up with Everton, whose precise cross was flicked on by Bruno Henrique to set up Juninho for a composed chest-finish.

Táchira nearly grabbed a late equalizer with two chances in added time, but Flamengo held firm. The result puts the Brazilian giants atop Group C, with Central Córdoba and LDU Quito drawing 0–0 in the group's other match.

Flamengo now turn their focus to the Brasileirão, where they face Vitória on Sunday before hosting Central Córdoba at the Maracanã on April 10 in what could be a decisive Libertadores fixture.

Bahia 1-1 Internacional

Bahia and Internacional shared the spoils in a high-octane 1–1 draw at Arena Fonte Nova to open their Copa Libertadores group-stage campaigns. Both sides showed attacking intent but settled for a point apiece in front of over 42,000 fans in Salvador.

The first half saw Bahia come out with early intent, carving out chances through Pulga and Lucho. At the other end, Ronaldo made a crucial save after a defensive lapse to keep Inter off the board. Despite flashes of quality from Wesley and Alan Patrick, neither side found the net before the break.

Bahia eventually broke through in the 65th minute with a well-worked move down the left that ended with Jean Lucas coolly slotting past Rochet. Internacional responded quickly — Enner Valencia capitalized on a rebound to equalize in the 77th minute.

The result keeps Bahia unbeaten in their last nine Libertadores home matches. Both clubs now sit on one point, trailing group leaders Atlético Nacional, who comfortably defeated Nacional-URU in their opener.

Next up, Bahia head to Montevideo for a tough test against Nacional, while Internacional host Atlético Nacional at Beira-Rio. Before then, Bahia visit Santos and Inter welcome Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão.