Tim Vickery: Why Estudiantes’ Libertadores Run Matters for ALL of South America

Brazil has won the last seven Copa Libertadores. Now Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense are into the 2026 semi-finals, with Estudiantes the only team standing between Brazil and another all-Brazilian final.

Tim Vickery breaks down an extraordinary week of South American football.

Memphis Depay had the chance to save Corinthians deep into stoppage time, only to send his penalty over the bar. Flamengo were pushed to the brink by Independiente del Valle. Palmeiras somehow survived a late LDU Quito comeback and penalty shootout. Fluminense had to fight their way past first-time Libertadores entrants Platense.

Tim also explains the bigger story behind Brazil's dominance: the financial gap, squad depth and why opponents now have almost no margin for error against the continent's biggest Brazilian clubs.

Plus, we head into the Copa Sudamericana for Boca Juniors vs São Paulo, Vasco da Gama, Atlético Mineiro, Santos and Montevideo City Torque.

The 2026 Libertadores semi-finals are set:

Flamengo vs Estudiantes

Palmeiras vs Fluminense

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