Today’s Headlines May 6, 2026
| MATCH | RESULT | KEY MOMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Ind. Rivadavia vs Fluminense | 1-1 | Arce 66′, J. Kennedy 90′ — Rivadavia first to qualify |
| Tolima vs Nacional (URU) | 3-0 | Sandoval pen, Mosquera 78′, J. González 89′ |
| Santa Fe vs Corinthians | 1-1 | Rodallega 61′, G. Henrique 90+3′ — Lingard debut |
| U. Católica vs Cruzeiro | 0-0 | Arroyo red 47′; Cruzeiro hold with 10 men |
| Cusco FC vs Estudiantes | 1-1 | Colitto 37′, T. Palacios 58′ — Cusco’s first point |
| Dep. La Guaira vs Bolívar | 1-1 | Late Bolívar equaliser; Group C two-team race |
| Botafogo vs Racing | Sudamericana | Group E decider for Sudamericana spot |
| UCL: Bayern vs PSG | 1-1 (5-6 agg) | Dembélé 2′, Kane 90+’; PSG vs Arsenal in final |
| Hulk to Fluminense | Confirmed | R$2M/month, 18-month deal — debut after July 20 |
01
Independiente Rivadavia 1-1 Fluminense: Mendoza Side First Through to Round of 16
Libertadores
Independiente Rivadavia became the first club confirmed in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. The Mendoza side, debuting in the competition, drew 1-1 with Luis Zubeldía’s Fluminense at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas to reach 10 points in Group C with two matchdays remaining — mathematically out of reach of every rival. According to EFE wire coverage, Alex Arce headed in the opener at minute 66 from a Matías Fernández cross, but substitute John Kennedy (Fluminense) deflected home in the 90th minute via Leonard Costa to deny the Lepra a first-place clincher. Bolívar (5 points) trail in second; La Guaira have 3, and Fluminense are bottom on 2.
How it happened
- 2′ — Rivadavia start fast. Fabrizio Sartori turns sharply 18 yards out, forces a flying save from goalkeeper Fábio.
- 11′ — Sebastián Villa (Independiente Rivadavia) whips in a corner; Alex Arce heads onto the crossbar.
- 66′ — Matías Fernández (Independiente Rivadavia) crosses; Arce arrives unmarked and heads in for 1-0. Estadio Malvinas Argentinas erupts.
- 79′ — Coach Alfredo Berti (Independiente Rivadavia) takes Arce off to a standing ovation, switches to a back-five.
- 90′ — A loose ball falls to John Kennedy (Fluminense) on the edge of the box; his shot deflects off Leonard Costa (Independiente Rivadavia) and beats goalkeeper Nicolás Bolcato. 1-1.
Key moment
Berti’s late switch to a five-man defence backfired in the dying seconds. According to coverage by Argentina’s Diario Uno, the Lepra had absorbed Fluminense pressure for nearly half an hour with goalkeeper Bolcato pulling off three big saves — including a sharp stop from Yeferson Soteldo in the 78th — before the Costa deflection looped over him. Rivadavia still made history, but the equaliser cost them outright control of the group: Bolívar’s late draw with La Guaira earlier kept the Bolivians in second.
What’s next
Rivadavia visit La Guaira on Thursday, May 21. They then close the group at home to Bolívar on Wednesday, May 27 in a likely first-place decider. Fluminense — needing two wins from two with Bolívar (home, May 19) and La Guaira (home, May 27) — also have to navigate the closed Brazilian transfer window: new signing Hulk cannot be registered until July 20, after the World Cup.
02
Tolima 3-0 Nacional: Colombian Drought Ends in Ibagué as Pijaos Lead Group B
Libertadores
Deportes Tolima ended Colombia’s 2026 CONMEBOL group-stage drought with a 3-0 demolition of Uruguay’s Nacional at the Estadio Manuel Murillo Toro in Ibagué. According to EFE coverage, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus awarded a 43rd-minute penalty for a Luciano Boggio (Nacional) handball; goalkeeper Luis Mejía saved Juan Pablo Torres’ spot kick, but Sebastián Coates (Nacional) was then judged to have fouled Torres on the rebound, forcing a retake — converted by Luis Sandoval. Lucas González’s side now lead Group B with seven points, three clear of the chasing pack.
How it happened
- 2′ — Camilo Cándido (Nacional) hits the post from distance; Tolima ride out the early scare.
- 43′ — Boggio handles inside the area; first penalty saved, Coates fouls in the rebound, Sandoval converts the retake. 1-0.
- 78′ — Substitute Jersson González (Tolima) crosses low from the right; Jherson Mosquera arrives unmarked at the back post for 2-0.
- 89′ — A long Sandoval ball releases González in transition; he chips Mejía from the edge of the area for 3-0.
Key moment
The double-penalty sequence at minute 43 broke Nacional’s resistance. González’s two halftime substitutions — Mosquera in for Edward López, González for Adrián Parra at minute 74 — both ended up scoring. Lodeiro, the Uruguayan veteran in the visiting midfield, was withdrawn at halftime, and Maximiliano Silvera’s introduction did not lift the Tricolor. Tolima’s win is Colombia’s first three-point haul in either continental tournament group stage in 2026 after seven matches without a victory.
What’s next
Tolima travel to Coquimbo Unido on Tuesday, May 19 in Coquimbo, Chile — Coquimbo and Universitario play Thursday, May 7 to determine who is closest to Tolima at the top. Nacional return to the Gran Parque Central on Wednesday, May 20 against Universitario knowing only a win keeps direct qualification alive.
Independiente Rivadavia Fluminense Alex Arce John Kennedy Berti Zubeldia Tolima Nacional Sandoval Mosquera Jersson Gonzalez Santa Fe Corinthians Rodallega Lingard Universidad Catolica Cruzeiro Cusco Estudiantes Pacho PSG Bayern Dembele Hulk Fluminense
Football
03
Santa Fe Drop Late Lead, Corinthians Salvage 1-1; Cruzeiro Hold UC With 10 Men
Libertadores
Group E’s leaders held on. Corinthians, leading Group E pre-matchday, were saved by a Gustavo Henrique header in the 90+3 minute at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín, after Hugo Rodallega had given Independiente Santa Fe a 61st-minute lead. According to AFP coverage relayed by El País of Cali, the match featured the Libertadores debut of Jesse Lingard (Corinthians) at 2,640 metres of altitude, an end-of-game brawl as Santa Fe players surrounded Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza, and a Rodallega assist from Jáder Obrian’s clipped pass. The Cardenal sit third on two points and are nearly out; Corinthians lead Group E with 10.
In Santiago, the night’s other early Group D heavyweight finished goalless. Cruzeiro held Universidad Católica 0-0 at the Claro Arena despite a 47th-minute red card for Ecuadorian forward Keny Arroyo (Cruzeiro), who stamped on Fernando Zuqui (Universidad Católica). According to coverage by CNN Brasil, goalkeeper Otávio (Cruzeiro) made decisive saves from Justo Giani and Fernando Zampedri (both Universidad Católica). Daniel Garnero’s side stay top of Group D on seven points by virtue of the 2-1 first-leg win in Belo Horizonte; Cruzeiro are level on seven, Boca on six, Barcelona SC on three. The four-team scrap goes to the wire on May 19-21.
Up in the Andes, Cusco FC drew 1-1 with Estudiantes de La Plata at the Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega — the Peruvian side’s first Libertadores point, courtesy of Lucas Colitto’s 37th-minute volley. Tiago Palacios equalised at minute 58 for the Pincha. Coach Alejandro Orfila (Cusco) had two efforts cleared off the line by Estudiantes substitute defender Eros Mancuso. Group A: Flamengo 7, Estudiantes 6, Independiente Medellín 4, Cusco 1. Flamengo travel to Medellín on Thursday, May 7 — a Colombian club’s chance to repeat Tolima’s heroics.
04
Hulk Lands at Fluminense — but Cannot Play Until July 20
Transfer
Fluminense formally unveiled Hulk, the 39-year-old former Atlético-MG striker, on Tuesday May 5 with a contract through December 2027. According to Brazilian outlet Mix Vale, the salary is approximately R$2 million per month and the transfer fee is zero — Hulk arrived after an amicable rescission with Atlético-MG. The complication: Brazil’s transfer registration window is closed, and CBF and CONMEBOL rules mean Hulk cannot be entered into the BID until the window reopens after the World Cup, on July 20.
The implications shape the Tricolor’s next 10 weeks. Hulk travelled to Mendoza with the squad for the Rivadavia tie but was confined to the substitutes’ bench unable to enter the field — a presence intended to lift dressing-room morale rather than influence a match. Coach Luis Zubeldía continues to rely on Germán Cano and Agustín Canobbio. Fluminense’s two remaining Libertadores group games (Bolívar at home May 19, La Guaira at home May 27) and at least 10 Brasileirão fixtures will all be played without him. He will wear the number 7 — the same number he wore at Atlético-MG.
For Atlético-MG, the Galo move on. The club had announced Hulk’s amicable departure last weekend after the Cruzeiro derby win; the squad now reunites under coach Cuca for a tightening Brasileirão title race against Palmeiras (33 pts) and Flamengo (27, game in hand). For Fluminense, the bigger immediate problem is Brasileirão form: a 2-0 defeat at Internacional last weekend dropped them to third with 26 points and into a three-match winless run.
05
Bayern 1-1 PSG (5-6 agg): Pacho Anchors Defending Champions Into Budapest Final
International
PSG return to the Champions League final after a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena that made the aggregate 6-5 over Bayern Munich. Ousmane Dembélé scored after just 2 minutes 20 seconds; Harry Kane equalised in the 90th minute for his 14th UCL goal of the season — the latter not enough. The standout LatAm angle came in defence: Ecuadorian centre-back Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain) was named CNN’s man of the match, anchoring a back four alongside Marquinhos that limited Bayern to one breakthrough. Colombia’s Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) started but could not find an opener.
PSG will face Arsenal on Saturday, May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Coach Luis Enrique becomes the first to reach three Champions League finals in three roles — Barcelona 2015, PSG 2025 and now PSG 2026. The Parisians become the first French club to reach three European Cup finals and the first to appear in two consecutive ones. They are also chasing a domestic-and-European treble: PSG already lifted the French Super Cup and lead Ligue 1 by six points over Lens. According to NBC Sports coverage, Arsenal’s first European Cup final and PSG’s bid to become the first repeat Champions League winners since Real Madrid (2016-2018) make this a clash of distinct historical stakes.
06
NBA: Wembanyama Returns Tonight as Spurs Host Wolves; Knicks-Celtics Game 2
NBA
Wednesday’s NBA action skipped the conference semifinals, leaving the focus on Thursday’s marquee fixtures. The San Antonio Spurs host the Minnesota Timberwolves with Victor Wembanyama coming off a record 12-block playoff performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. The Knicks-Celtics series resumes in New York after the Knicks’ 137-98 Game 1 demolition with reigning MVP Jalen Brunson dropping 31 points. Both Game 2s tip off late evening Eastern.
The conference-semis-Game-1 results from Tuesday continue to set the early narrative. The Detroit Pistons’ 111-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers ended a 12-game losing streak against Cleveland; Cade Cunningham (23 pts, 7 ast) delivered with Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris in support. Oklahoma City beat the Lakers 108-90 with Chet Holmgren posting 24 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks. The Thunder are now 5-0 in the playoffs. Luka Dončić (Lakers) and Jalen Williams (Thunder) both sat with hamstring injuries; their availability for Game 2 remains questionable.
07
Libertadores Standings After Matchday 4 (Selected Groups)
Standings
| GRP | TEAM | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Tolima | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 7 |
| B | Coquimbo Unido | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| B | Universitario | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| B | Nacional (URU) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 3 |
| C | Ind. Rivadavia (Q) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 10 |
| C | Bolívar | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| C | Dep. La Guaira | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
| C | Fluminense | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 2 |
| D | U. Católica | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 7 |
| D | Cruzeiro | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 7 |
| D | Boca Juniors | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| D | Barcelona SC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
| E | Corinthians | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 10 |
| E | Platense | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 6 |
| E | Santa Fe | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 2 |
| E | Peñarol | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 1 |
(Q) = Qualified for Round of 16. Group A (Flamengo, Estudiantes, Medellín, Cusco) updates after Medellín-Flamengo on Thursday May 7. Coquimbo-Universitario also Thursday May 7.
08
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Who scored in Independiente Rivadavia 1-1 Fluminense?
Alex Arce headed Independiente Rivadavia in front at minute 66 from a Matías Fernández cross at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza. John Kennedy levelled for Fluminense in the 90th minute, his shot deflecting off Independiente Rivadavia defender Leonard Costa to beat goalkeeper Nicolás Bolcato. The 1-1 result was enough for Alfredo Berti’s side to clinch their first Copa Libertadores Round of 16 spot — they reach 10 points in Group C with two matchdays remaining, becoming the first 2026 qualifier overall.
When can Hulk make his debut for Fluminense?
Hulk cannot play for Fluminense until July 20, 2026, after the FIFA World Cup window closes. The 39-year-old striker signed an 18-month contract on May 5 worth approximately R$2 million per month, but Brazil’s transfer registration window is closed and the CBF and CONMEBOL will not enter him into the BID database until it reopens after the World Cup. He travelled with the squad to Mendoza but could not be selected. He will wear the number 7 — the same number he wore at Atlético-MG.
Where does this leave Group D in the Copa Libertadores?
Group D enters the final two matchdays as a four-team scrap with three sides within one point. Universidad Católica lead on seven points after their 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro at the Claro Arena in Santiago. Cruzeiro are level on seven, in second on the head-to-head from the first leg in Belo Horizonte. Boca Juniors are third with six following the loss to Barcelona SC, and Barcelona SC are bottom on three. The decisive fixture is Boca vs Cruzeiro at La Bombonera on May 19, with Universidad Católica vs Barcelona SC the same day in Santiago.
Updated: 2026-05-07T09:00:00Z by Matt Camenzind, Latin America correspondent.
Related coverage: previous Latin America Sports Daily (May 6 — Venezuelan sweep) · Brasileirão Round 9 · Brazil Elections 2026 guide.