Continental heavyweight Flamengo arrived in Buenos Aires as prohibitive favourites for the Recopa Sudamericana — then walked out of La Fortaleza on the wrong end of a 1–0 defeat to a resolute Lanús side that had two goals disallowed before Rodrigo Castillo’s 77th-minute header finally stuck. In Montevideo, the Copa Libertadores second qualifying stage continued with Juventud de las Piedras and Guaraní drawing 0–0 in a match that nearly had a dramatic late winner at either end. Brazil’s Série A delivered a delayed-round gem as Rodrigo Garro scored a stunning left-footed strike to give Corinthians a 1–0 win at Athletico Paranaense after the hosts squandered a penalty. And in Masaya, Nicaragua, the first WBC exhibition game on American soil saw Cuba face Nicaragua with 14 days to go until the Classic opens in Tokyo. From the banks of the Río de la Plata to the volcanic lowlands of Central America, this is your Friday morning Latin American sports briefing.
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Thursday Scoreboard — 19 February 2026
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All results verified against official sources
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Competition
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Result
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Note
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Recopa Sudamericana — 1st Leg
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Lanús (ARG) 1–0 Flamengo (BRA)
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Castillo 77′; see Card 1
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Copa Libertadores — 2nd Stage
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Juventud (URU) 0–0 Guaraní (PAR)
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1st leg; return Feb 26 in Asunción; see Card 2
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Brasileirão Série A — Round 2 (delayed)
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Athletico-PR 0–1 Corinthians
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Garro 19′ golaço; see Card 3
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Copa do Brasil — 1st Round
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Primavera MG 2–1 Bragantino PA
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See Card 5
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Copa do Brasil — 1st Round
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América SE 3–5 Tirol CE (AET)
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Extra time thriller; see Card 5
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WBC Exhibition
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Cuba vs Nicaragua — Masaya, Nicaragua
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1st Americas WBC exhibition; see Card 6
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CONCACAF Champions Cup R1
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Cartaginés (CRC) 0–0 Vancouver Whitecaps
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1st leg; Wed night late; see Card 4
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01Recopa Sudamericana — Lanús Stun Flamengo 1–0 in La Fortaleza Fortress
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Football
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\nThe night’s biggest result came from the southern suburbs of Buenos Aires, where Lanús upset four-time Libertadores champions Flamengo 1–0 in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana — the annual showdown between the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana winners. Mauricio Pellegrino’s compact, disciplined side frustrated Flamengo for 90 minutes at the Estadio Ciudad de Lanús, keeping Lucas Paquetá, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Everton trapped in a web of tight marking and closed passing lanes. Flamengo had 65% possession but managed just one shot on target. Striker Rodrigo Castillo was the hero and the heartbreak story rolled into one: he had two goals disallowed before finally heading home the decisive strike in the 77th minute, sending the stadium into delirium. Goalkeeper Nahuel Losada made key saves to preserve the clean sheet, while captain Carlos Izquierdoz marshalled the backline superbly. Filipe Luís’s Flamengo, missing suspended winger Gonzalo Plata and injured Jorginho and Saúl Ñíguez, looked sluggish and uninspired throughout. The return leg takes place next Thursday (February 26) at the Maracanã.
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CONTEXT Lanús won the Copa Sudamericana 2025 on penalties against Atlético-MG. Flamengo are the 2025 Libertadores and Brasileirão champions. Lanús’ only previous Recopa appearance was in 2014, when they lost to Atlético-MG. Flamengo must overturn the deficit at home — they won the 2020 Recopa but lost the 2023 edition to Independiente del Valle.
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\nLatin America Sports Daily for Friday, February 20, 2026. (Photo Internet reproduction)
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02Copa Libertadores — Juventud and Guaraní Play Out Goalless Draw in Montevideo
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Football
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\nUruguayan minnows Juventud de las Piedras and Paraguay’s Guaraní shared a 0–0 draw at the Parque Alfredo Víctor Viera in Montevideo, leaving this Copa Libertadores second-stage tie wide open ahead of the return leg on February 26 in Asunción. Guaraní were the better side in the first half, controlling possession and exploiting a nervous Juventud side that struggled to pass out from the back. Richard Torales had an early chance but was denied by goalkeeper Sebastián Sosa. After tactical adjustments from coach Sebastián Méndez during the hydration break, Juventud emerged as a different team in the second half — Renzo Sánchez fired just wide, and Alejo Cruz forced a save from Gaspar Servio. Then Guaraní had the last word in the 93rd minute when Alexandro Maidana’s inswinging cross from the left flank clipped the crossbar, agonisingly close to a winner. Juventud had more of the ball and outshot Guaraní overall, but the Paraguayans were more clinical with their chances when they arrived. A key subplot: Guaraní defender Sebastián Zaracho was sent off in the 77th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct, meaning the Paraguayans will be without him for the return leg at Estadio Rogelio Livieres on February 26. The winner will face either Independiente Medellín or Liverpool (Uruguay) in the third round.
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2ND STAGE PICTURE With Thursday’s match complete, four first-leg results from this stage are settled: O’Higgins 1–0 Bahia, Nacional Potosí 1–0 Botafogo, Barcelona SC 0–1 Argentinos Juniors, Juventud 0–0 Guaraní. Friday brings the last first leg: Deportivo Táchira (VEN) vs Deportes Tolima (COL) in San Cristóbal. Return legs run Feb 24–27.
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03Brasileirão — Garro Golaço Sinks Athletico-PR as Corinthians Crash the Top Five
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Football
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\nCorinthians ended Athletico Paranaense’s 100% Brasileirão record with a 1–0 away win at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, courtesy of a stunning goal from Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Garro. The delayed second-round fixture was played under unusual circumstances: the stadium was restricted to women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities following a punishment imposed on Athletico for fan violence during a 2025 Série B match. Athletico started aggressively and won a penalty through Kevin Viveros in the 12th minute, but Julimar blazed the spot kick wide. Seven minutes later, Matheuzinho delivered a cross that bounced in the box, and Garro controlled before unleashing a thunderbolt with his left foot into the top corner — a candidate for goal of the season. Athletico dominated the second half with relentless pressure, but Hugo Souza produced several crucial saves and Raniele cleared off the line to preserve the lead. With the win, Dorival Júnior’s Corinthians (featuring Memphis Depay and Matheus Pereira) climb to fifth on six points, leapfrogging Athletico (also six points, now sixth) on goal difference.
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CONTEXT The Brasileirão is just three rounds in but already producing drama. Corinthians are one point off the leaders. Next: Athletico host Londrina in the Campeonato Paranaense semifinal on Sunday; Corinthians face Portuguesa in the Paulistão quarterfinals Sunday at 8:30 PM at the Canindé.
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04CONCACAF Champions Cup — Cartaginés Dig In for Scoreless Draw Against Vancouver
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Football
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\nCosta Rica’s Cartaginés produced the most resilient defensive performance of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round so far, holding 2025 MLS Cup finalists Vancouver Whitecaps to a 0–0 draw at the Estadio Fello Meza in Cartago on Wednesday night. Vancouver dominated in every statistical category — 75% possession, 16 shots to 7, 10 corners to 1 — but couldn’t find a way past goalkeeper Kevin Briceño, who was outstanding all night. Emmanuel Sabbi’s breathtaking bicycle kick in the first half was cleared off the line in the most dramatic moment of the match, while Andrés Cubas forced another fine save. Cartaginés sat deep, committed to defensive shape, and produced an occasional counter threat through Juan Gaete, who fired just past the far post after the restart. The result contrasts sharply with the Caribbean and Central American drubbings earlier in the round and gives Cartaginés a real chance of advancing. The second leg is February 25 at BC Place in Vancouver.
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CONCACAF R1 UPDATE Week 3 first-leg results (Wed): Defence Force 0–5 Philadelphia Union, O&M 0–4 FC Cincinnati, Cartaginés 0–0 Vancouver. Thursday: San Miguelito (PAN) vs LA Galaxy. The pattern of MLS dominance is clear, but Cartaginés’ resilience suggests the gap is not universal.
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05Copa do Brasil — Final First-Round Matches as 126-Team Tournament Nears Second Stage
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Football
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\nThe Copa do Brasil‘s first round wrapped up on Thursday with the final single-leg elimination matches. In Mato Grosso, Primavera MG beat Bragantino PA 2–1 to advance to the second round, where they will face tougher opposition. In Sergipe, Tirol CE overcame América de Sergipe 5–3 after extra time in a wild eight-goal affair. Wednesday’s late fixtures also saw Galvez-AC defeated 3–2 in extra time by Guaporé-RO and Ji-Paraná advance 2–0 over FC Pantanal. The first round has now produced 14 advancing teams from 14 single-leg matches, with the dramatic Porto-BA comeback (two goals with nine men in stoppage time to beat Serra Branca 2–1 on Tuesday) still the standout story of the opening stage. The second round begins Monday February 24 with 78 new teams entering, including Madureira (fresh from the Carioca semifinals), Boavista, Joinville, and several prominent Série B clubs.
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FORMAT REMINDER The 2026 Copa do Brasil features an expanded 126 teams (up from 92). Single-leg matches run through the fourth round. Série A clubs — including Flamengo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Santos — don’t enter until the fifth round in late April. Cruzeiro lead all-time with six titles.
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06WBC Exhibition — Cuba and Nicaragua Open Americas Prep in Masaya
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Baseball
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\nWith 14 days until the World Baseball Classic opens at Tokyo Dome, the first WBC exhibition game on American soil took place Thursday evening at the Estadio Roberto Clemente in Masaya, Nicaragua. Cuba’s travelling squad — led by NPB stars Livan Moinelo (SoftBank Hawks, 2025 Pacific League MVP, 1.46 ERA) and closer Raidel Martínez (Yomiuri Giants, career 1.62 ERA) — faced a Nicaragua team managed by legendary former MLB skipper Dusty Baker. Cuba brought a largely developmental roster to the four-game series, with 19 of 30 players not on their WBC main squad, using the tour to test fringe roster options. This is the first of four exhibition games across Nicaragua (Feb 19, 22, 25, 27), with each contest in a different city. Meanwhile, in Asia, Chinese Taipei have been warming up against NPB farm teams. All 20 WBC teams begin formal Spring Training exhibition games against MLB clubs on March 2–4, with LATAM nations Colombia, Nicaragua, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, and Puerto Rico all scheduled to face MLB opposition in Florida and Arizona.
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COUNTDOWN 14 days to first pitch (March 5 in Tokyo). 78 All-Stars and 190 MLB players across all 20 rosters. Pool A (San Juan): Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, Colombia. Pool B (Houston): USA, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Great Britain. Pool D (Miami): Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Israel, Netherlands. Top 2 Americas teams qualify for 2028 LA Olympics baseball.
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07Brazilian State Championships — Paulistão Quarterfinals and Carioca Semis This Weekend
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Football
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\nBrazil’s state championship knockout stages begin in earnest this weekend. In the Campeonato Paulista, the quarterfinals are single-match eliminators: Saturday brings Red Bull Bragantino vs São Paulo (6:30 PM) and Palmeiras vs Capivariano (8:30 PM). Sunday features Novorizontino vs Santos (4 PM) and the blockbuster Portuguesa vs Corinthians (8:30 PM) at the Canindé. Corinthians arrive in form after Thursday’s Brasileirão win, but face a quick turnaround. In the Campeonato Carioca, both semifinal first legs are Sunday: Fluminense (Taça Guanabara champions) vs Vasco at 6 PM (Nilton Santos), and Flamengo vs surprise package Madureira at 8:30 PM (Maracanã). The Carioca return legs are March 1–2. Elsewhere, Athletico Paranaense host Londrina in the Campeonato Paranaense semifinal second leg on Sunday.
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KEY STORYLINE Corinthians’ Rodrigo Garro injury watch: the hero of Thursday’s Brasileirão win must be fit again in 48 hours for the Paulistão quarterfinal. Flamengo face the Carioca semi just five days after losing the Recopa first leg and will need to balance squad rotation carefully.
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08Argentine Liga Profesional — Fecha 6 Kicks Off Today with Belgrano on Top
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Football
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\nArgentina’s Liga Profesional Apertura enters Fecha 6 today with table-toppers Belgrano (11 points from 5 matches) the team to beat. Friday’s action features Defensa y Justicia vs Belgrano (5:15 PM local) — a genuine test for the Córdoba side’s title credentials — and Estudiantes LP vs Sarmiento (5:45 PM). Saturday is headlined by the superclásico at La Bombonera: Boca Juniors vs Racing Club (8 PM). Boca have been inconsistent, drawing 0–0 with Platense in their last outing and struggling to create chances (just 3 shots on target vs 14 conceded). Also Saturday: Instituto vs Atlético Tucumán (a Córdoba derby), Rosario Central vs Talleres (Ángel Di María’s Rosario Central have been in fine form), Gimnasia de Mendoza vs Gimnasia LP, and Independiente Rivadavia vs Independiente. Sunday rounds close with San Lorenzo vs Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, Vélez vs River, and Unión vs Aldosivi. The 30-team format splits clubs into two groups of 15 before a knockout phase.
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TOP OF THE TABLE After Fecha 5: 1. Belgrano 11 pts (Zona A), 2. Vélez Sársfield (strong start), 3. San Lorenzo 7 pts. In Zona B: Tigre, Rosario Central, and Racing are among the early leaders. Boca sit mid-table and need a result against Racing.
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09Liga MX — Round 7 Returns Tonight as Chivas’ Perfect Run Faces Saturday Test
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Football
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\nMexico’s Liga MX Clausura resumes tonight with Jornada 7 after a mid-week break. Friday’s opener is Tigres vs Pachuca (9 PM CT) at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey. Saturday’s headline match pits second-placed Cruz Azul against league leaders Chivas in what could be the defining fixture of the Clausura so far. Chivas are the only unbeaten team in the league with a perfect 6-0-0 record (18 points), their best start since 2010. Cruz Azul, now playing home matches at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, drew 1–1 with Toluca in Round 6 and will be eager to halt Chivas’ momentum. The rest of the Saturday slate includes América vs Juárez, Atlas vs León, and Santos Laguna vs Querétaro. The play-in round has been eliminated this season — only the top eight qualify directly for the Liguilla. With the FIFA World Cup opening June 11 at Estadio Azteca, the Clausura is operating on an accelerated schedule.
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ROUND 7 FIXTURES Friday: Tigres vs Pachuca. Saturday: Cruz Azul vs Chivas, América vs Juárez, Atlas vs León, Santos vs Querétaro. Sunday: Monterrey vs Necaxa, Pumas vs Mazatlán, Toluca vs Puebla. Mazatlán remain bottom on zero points.
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10Looking Ahead — Friday, February 20
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Preview
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COPA LIBERTADORES
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Last second-stage first leg: Deportivo Táchira (Venezuela) vs Deportes Tolima (Colombia) in San Cristóbal (7:30 PM local). Tolima are third in Liga BetPlay and arrive in strong form. Return legs begin next week across all five ties.
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CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP
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San Miguelito (Panama) vs LA Galaxy — the final Week 3 first leg. Galaxy are among the MLS favourites. Second legs begin February 24–26.
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ARGENTINE LIGA PROFESIONAL
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Fecha 6 begins: Defensa y Justicia vs Belgrano (5:15 PM), Estudiantes LP vs Sarmiento (5:45 PM). Saturday blockbuster: Boca vs Racing at La Bombonera (8 PM). Instituto vs Atlético Tucumán, Rosario Central vs Talleres also Saturday.
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LIGA MX
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Round 7 opens: Tigres vs Pachuca (Friday 9 PM CT). Saturday headliner: Cruz Azul vs Chivas — the clash between the Clausura’s top two teams.
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WEEKEND AHEAD
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Paulistão QFs: Bragantino vs São Paulo, Palmeiras vs Capivariano (Sat); Novorizontino vs Santos, Portuguesa vs Corinthians (Sun). Carioca semis: Fluminense vs Vasco, Flamengo vs Madureira (Sun). Copa do Brasil Round 2 begins Monday. WBC countdown: 13 days to first pitch.
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All times are local unless noted. Check local listings.
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This is part of The Rio Times’ comprehensive coverage of sports news across Brazil and Latin America.
