Palmeiras and Flamengo Clash in Epic 2025 Copa Libertadores Final Showdown: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

The Copa Libertadores championship match represents the most significant and esteemed competition on the western side of the Atlantic, and this Saturday, Palmeiras and Flamengo will clash with continental supremacy at stake.

Palmeiras and Flamengo have established themselves as South America's premier clubs since 2019. These Brazilian giants have each secured two Copa Libertadores championships during this period, along with multiple domestic league victories.

In 2021, these teams previously met in the championship match, with Palmeiras claiming their second consecutive Copa Libertadores crown. Flamengo responded the next season by capturing continental honors, repeating their 2019 triumph when they defeated defending champions River Plate.

Currently, both clubs occupy the top positions in Brazil's Serie A standings. Competing for their third league and continental trophy within six years, the 2025 Copa Libertadores championship will showcase the decade's finest South American squads in combat.

This tantalizing encounter promises to produce a deserving champion of South America's equivalent to the Champions League.

Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the 2025 Copa Libertadores championship between Palmeiras and Flamengo.

When Does the 2025 Copa Libertadores Championship Begin?

Palmeiras vs. Flamengo Historical Matchup Record (Recent Five Encounters)

Recent Performance (All Tournaments)

Broadcasting Options for 2025 Copa Libertadores Championship

Palmeiras Squad Updates

Few believed Palmeiras could recover after suffering a 3–0 defeat in their semifinal first leg against LDU Quito. However, Abel Ferreira's squad orchestrated a remarkable second leg turnaround, securing a 4–0 home victory to reach the championship.

Tournament leading scorer José Manuel López, paired with former Barcelona prospect Vitor Roque, forms a formidable attacking partnership. Andreas Pereira, Raphael Veiga and Allan constitute one of South America's most potent midfield combinations.

Despite El Verdão's recent struggles and unfavorable record against Flamengo, they've triumphed in both championship encounters between these clubs this decade, including the previously mentioned 2021 continental finale.

With key personnel like Richard Rios and Estêvão departing during the summer transfer window, capturing the Copa Libertadores would represent a remarkable accomplishment for Ferreira's squad.

Palmeiras Expected Formation Against Flamengo

Palmeiras anticipated formation against Flamengo (3-5-2): Miguel; Fuchs, Gómez, Cerqueira; Khellven, Allan, Pereira, Veiga, Piqueirez; Roque, López.

Flamengo Squad Updates

Since Filipe Luis assumed control of Flamengo's technical area, the Rio de Janeiro outfit has transformed into a relentless championship-winning force, capturing three trophies within the past year.

El Mengão possesses exceptional depth throughout their roster. Club icon Bruno Henrique will spearhead the attack alongside the versatile Giorgian De Arrascaeta as his striking partner.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Jorginho seeks to become the 16th player in football history to claim both Champions League and Copa Libertadores honors. He'll form a midfield partnership with Erick Pulgar, while former Atlético Madrid talents Saúl Ñíguez and Samu Lino await opportunities from the substitute bench.

El Fla has virtually secured the domestic league championship, and completing the double with a Copa Libertadores victory would establish Luis as an undisputed club icon in fewer than 14 months since his managerial appointment.

Flamengo Expected Formation Against Palmeiras

Flamengo anticipated formation against Palmeiras (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho; Araújo, De Arrascaeta, Carrascal; Henrique

Palmeiras vs. Flamengo: 2025 Copa Libertadores Championship Score Forecast

Flamengo approaches the championship as betting favorites, but this will be an extremely balanced contest between two clubs that understand each other completely.

Since the Copa Libertadores adopted the single-match championship format, only once has a winner prevailed by more than a single goal. This pattern will likely persist, making extra time or penalty kicks unsurprising outcomes.

Nevertheless, Flamengo has demonstrated superior recent form while fielding a marginally stronger overall squad. However, Palmeiras resembles a destined team following their miraculous semifinal recovery and their quarterfinal elimination of River Plate.

Ferreira's team has developed a reputation for elevating their performance when considered underdogs, and pressure will mount on Flamengo as favorites, with memories of the 2021 championship still vivid.

Final Forecast: Palmeiras 1–1 Flamengo (Palmeiras victorious 5–4 via penalty shootout)