Latin America Sports Daily for Friday, August 28, 2026

Fluminense survive Mendoza shootout to book Libertadores quarter-final spot

Result

Fluminense are through to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Independiente Rivadavia on 18 August. The second leg in Mendoza ended 1-1, leaving the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate.

Kevin Serna put the Brazilian club ahead in the 75th minute, but Alex Arce equalised from the penalty spot in the seventh minute of added time. Fluminense then won the shootout 5-4.

The result means Fluminense will face Platense in the last eight. Platense advanced on penalties against Coquimbo Unido after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Palmeiras stay top of Série A with six-point cushion over Flamengo

Football

Palmeiras are leading the 2026 Brasileirão Série A with 51 points from 24 matches as of 28 August. Their record includes 15 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses, with 44 goals scored and 20 conceded.

Flamengo are second on 45 points from 23 games, with Athletico Paranaense third on 44 points. Fluminense have climbed to fourth place on 41 points.

Palmeiras returned to domestic action after beating Cerro Porteño 2-1 on aggregate in the Libertadores round of 16. The São Paulo club remains on track for a strong showing in both competitions.

Boca Juniors cruise into Sudamericana quarter-finals with 7-1 aggregate win

Result

Boca Juniors demolished Deportivo Recoleta 4-0 in Asunción on 18 August to complete a 7-1 aggregate victory in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16. The Argentine giants had won the first leg 3-1 in Buenos Aires.

The result makes Boca one of the favourites for the Sudamericana title. They join São Paulo, Atlético Mineiro, Montevideo City Torque, Santos, Vasco da Gama, Cienciano and Independiente Santa Fe in the quarter-finals.

Vasco da Gama also advanced with a 4-1 aggregate win over Olimpia, while Atlético Mineiro beat Red Bull Bragantino 3-2 over two legs.

Libertadores last-16 review: Estudiantes, Palmeiras and Flamengo all progress

Feature

The Copa Libertadores round of 16 concluded by 25 August with several Brazilian and Argentine clubs advancing. Estudiantes beat Universidad Católica 4-1 on aggregate after a 3-0 second-leg win.

Palmeiras edged Cerro Porteño 2-1 on aggregate, while Flamengo defeated Cruzeiro 3-2 over two legs. LDU Quito needed penalties to overcome Mirassol after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Corinthians also advanced against Rosario Central, and Independiente del Valle completed a 4-1 aggregate win over Deportes Tolima with a 3-1 home victory on 25 August.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Who won the Copa Libertadores round of 16 tie between Fluminense and Independiente Rivadavia?

Fluminense advanced after a 1-1 draw in the second leg in Mendoza. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, and Fluminense won the penalty shootout 5-4.

Which teams have qualified for the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals?

The confirmed quarter-finalists are Fluminense, Platense, Estudiantes, Palmeiras, Flamengo, LDU Quito, Corinthians and Independiente del Valle. Fluminense meet Platense when the first legs begin in the week of September 8.

What is the current top of the Brazilian Série A table?

Palmeiras lead with 51 points from 24 games as of 28 August 2026. Flamengo are second on 45 points, Athletico Paranaense third on 44, and Fluminense fourth on 41.