Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Libertadores semi-finals set: Brazilian dominance and Argentine might clash
Anticipation for the Libertadores semi-finals reached an all-time high when CONMEBOL revealed the dates and matches that promise exciting soccer. Four formidable teams won their places in this prestigious tournament: Fluminense, Internacional, Palmeiras and Argentina’s iconic Boca Juniors.
The prowess of Brazilian soccer is on full display as, for the third year running, three Brazilian powerhouses are in the semi-finals. The first leg kicks off on September 27, with the Maracanã hosting Fluminense against Internacional, followed by the clash between Boca Juniors and Palmeiras at the Bombonera on September 28.
Fans can mark the return matches in their calendars: Internacional will face Fluminense at Beira Rio on October 4, and Palmeiras will host Boca Juniors on October 5 at Allianz Parque. The final Libertadores match is scheduled for November 4 at the Allianz Parque stadium, the famous Maracanã stadium.
As well as footballing glory, qualification for the semi-final itself offers a substantial financial incentive, with each team securing US$2.3 million. The champions will not only take home the coveted trophy, but also a substantial prize of US$18 million, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already electric competition. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to Libertadores supremacy!
FIRST GAMES
- Fluminense vs Internacional – Wednesday, 27/9, at 21:30. Maracanã. Where to watch: GLOBO AND PARAMOUNT+
- Boca Juniors vs Palmeiras – Thursday 28/9 at 21:30. Bombonera. Where to watch: ESPN and STAR+
RETURN GAMES
- Internacional vs. Fluminense – Wednesday, 4/10, at 21:30. Beira-Rio. where to watch: GLOBO AND PARAMOUNT+
- Palmeiras-Boca Juniors – Thursday, 5/10, at 21:30. Allianz Parque. where to watch: ESPN and STAR+
Copa Sudamericana semi-final clashes revealed with big stakes
On Friday, CONMEBOL revealed the long-awaited details for the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals, sparking excitement among soccer enthusiasts. The four qualified teams – Argentina’s Defensa y Justicia, Ecuador’s LDU, Fortaleza and Corinthians – are all set for a high-level clash.
Brazil, despite being on the verge of a clean sweep with four teams in contention, witnessed the unfortunate eliminations of São Paulo and Botafogo at the hands of LDU and Defensa y Justicia respectively. The first leg kicks off on September 26, with Corinthians facing Fortaleza at the Arena Neo Química, followed by LDU versus Defensa y Justicia at Rodrigo Paz Delgado on September 27.
The return matches will take place: On October 3, Fortaleza against Corinthians at the Castelhana, and on October 4, Defense and Justice against LDU at the Norberto “Tito” Tomagello stadium. The advancement of each club to the semi-finals promises a substantial financial reward of US$2 million, strengthening the fight for the coveted league title, which comes with a remarkable prize of US$5 million.
FIRST GAMES
- Corinthian vs Fortaleza – 26/9, Tuesday – 21h30 – Arena Néo Química. Where to watch: SBT, ESPN and STAR+
- LDU vs Defensa y Justicia – 27/9, Wednesday – 19H – Rodrigo paz Delgado Stadium. Where to watch: PARAMOUNT+
RETURN GAMES
- Fortaleza vs Corinthians – 3/10, Tuesday – 21H30 – Castelão. where to watch: SBT, ESPN AND STAR+
- Defensa y Justicia vs LDU – 4/10, Wednesday – 19H – Estadio Norberto “Tito” Tomaghello. where to watch: PARAMOUNT+