Palmeiras beats Fluminense 2-1 in Maracana semi first leg

Palmeiras defeated Fluminense 2-1 at the Maracana on Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. Flaco Lopez opened the scoring in the 44th minute after a counter-attack, and Marlon Freitas added a second before half-time. Wesley Nata pulled one back for the hosts in stoppage time after a mistake by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.

Fluminense dominated possession with over 70% in the first half but failed to test Carlos Miguel seriously, with Hulk the only visitor to force a save. Palmeiras set up with three centre-backs and three defensive midfielders, absorbing pressure before striking on the break.

“"Copeiro" and battle-hardened, the alviverde side gave new proof that it is one of the teams most used to playing decisive matches on the continent.”

The return leg will be played next Wednesday at the Nubank Parque in Sao Paulo. Palmeiras can advance with a draw, while Fluminense must win by two goals or by one to force a penalty shoot-out. The winner will face either Flamengo or Estudiantes de La Plata in the final.

Fluminense entered the match unbeaten at home since August 5, a run that included a 3-2 league win over Palmeiras. However, coach Marcão was without five injured players: Alisson, Matheus Reis, German Cano, John Kennedy and Riquelmi.

Palmeiras reached the semi-finals after eliminating Cerro Porteno on penalties in the last 16 and surviving a shoot-out against LDU Quito in the quarter-finals, where Carlos Miguel was the hero. Fluminense advanced past Independiente Rivadavia and Platense, both Argentine sides, also via penalties.