Fluminense, Platense, LDU Advance on Penalties in Copa Libertadores

The Copa Libertadores round of 16 concluded with dramatic penalty shootouts, as Fluminense, Platense, and Liga de Quito (LDU) secured their places in the quarter-finals. The trio joined Corinthians, Estudiantes, Flamengo, and Palmeiras, who advanced through regulation or aggregate victories.

Penalty Heroes Shine

Fluminense, Platense, and LDU all needed spot-kicks to progress, with goalkeepers playing pivotal roles. Fabio, the 45-year-old veteran, made two stunning saves to inspire Fluminense to a 5-4 shootout win over Independiente Rivadavia. Platense's Juan Pablo Cozzani denied Salvador Cordero to seal a 5-4 victory against Coquimbo Unido, while Gonzalo Valle's save from Victor Luis proved decisive as LDU edged Mirassol.

Fluminense's Comeback

Fluminense faced an uphill battle after a goalless first leg in Rio de Janeiro. The task grew harder when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a second bookable offence. Despite being a man down, Fluminense, under interim coach Marcao, pushed forward and took the lead through Kevin Serna. However, Independiente Rivadavia forced penalties deep into injury time after a handball by Ignacio led to Alex Arce's equalizing spot-kick. In the shootout, Fabio's heroics turned the tide after Fluminense trailed 2-1.

Platense's Grit

Platense, who won their first league title in 2025—120 years after their founding—showed resilience. Guido Vadala's last-gasp goal had earned Coquimbo Unido a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but Cozzani's brilliant save in the 34th minute kept Platense level. The Argentine side then took control, with Luciano Gimenez and Kevin Retamar missing chances, and Nico Lopez hitting the crossbar. In the shootout, the first 13 penalties were scored, including efforts from both goalkeepers, before Cozzani's decisive save sent Platense through.

LDU's Narrow Escape

LDU and Mirassol played out two draws, with only one miss in the shootout. Valle's save from Victor Luis proved the difference, as LDU advanced to the quarter-finals.

Other Results

Flamengo and Palmeiras, who have won five of the last seven Libertadores titles between them, overcame tough tests. Flamengo edged Cruzeiro 2-1, with Giorgian de Arrascaeta's curling effort and Samuel Lino's winner after Lucas Romero's equalizer. Palmeiras won 1-0 away to Cerro Porteno, thanks to Gustavo Gomez's header from a Jhon Arias corner, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Corinthians also progressed, despite Raniele's red card, as substitute Memphis Depay set up Breno Bidon's winner against Rosario Central. Estudiantes cruised past Universidad Catolica, with Joaquin Correa's opener and a Guido Carrillo brace securing a 3-0 away win.

Quarter-Final Draw

The quarter-finals are set: Estudiantes will face Corinthians, Palmeiras meet LDU, and Fluminense take on Platense. Flamengo will play the winner of Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle, whose first leg was postponed due to an earthquake in Colombia; the Ecuadorians won 1-0 on Wednesday. The Libertadores champion will represent South America at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026.

Brazilian clubs have won seven consecutive Libertadores titles, with five of the last six finals being all-Brazilian affairs.