Latin America Sports Daily for Thursday, September 17, 2026

Fluminense Survive Platense Scare to Reach Libertadores Semis

Result

Fluminense lost 2-1 at Platense on Tuesday night but won the tie 3-2 on aggregate, securing a place in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. The Brazilian side had built a 2-0 first-leg lead in Rio thanks to goals from Nonato and Hulk.

Platense struck twice before half-time through Guido Mainero and Bruno Sepúlveda to level the tie on aggregate. Agustín Canobbio’s goal early in the second half restored Fluminense’s overall advantage and proved decisive.

The Argentine hosts pushed for a third goal but could not break through again. Fluminense will meet Palmeiras in the semi-finals. Palmeiras came through a 3-3 aggregate draw with Liga de Quito on Wednesday, 16 September. Liga de Quito won the return 3-2 in Quito, through an early Segovia goal, after losing 1-0 in São Paulo. Palmeiras took the shoot-out 4-3.

Flamengo Face Independiente del Valle for Last Semi-Final Berth

Preview

Flamengo welcome Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle to the Maracanã tonight, Thursday 17 September 2026, at 9:30pm Rio time. The Rio side won the first leg 2-0 in Quito on 10 September, through goals from Bruno Henrique and Léo Pereira.

Independiente del Valle, the 2019 Copa Sudamericana champions, are dangerous on the counter and in transition. Flamengo’s experienced squad, led by their attacking unit, must stay patient against a compact defensive block.

Whoever progresses will meet Estudiantes de La Plata, who won 2-1 on aggregate after drawing 1-1 at home. Alexis Castro settled the tie in São Paulo on Wednesday with an 87th-minute left-footed volley. CONMEBOL has set the semi-final first legs for 13 to 15 October and the returns for 20 to 22 October. Exact dates follow once tonight’s tie is settled.

Colo-Colo Command Chile Primera División Race

Feature

Colo-Colo lead Chile’s Primera División with 54 points from 23 matches, showing a record of 17 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses. They have scored 48 goals and conceded 22, a plus-26 goal difference.

Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile are joint second on 42 points each, twelve points behind. Seven rounds remain, and Colo-Colo need ten more points to settle the title.

The lead is large but not yet decisive. Three wins and a draw from the remaining seven matches would put the championship beyond reach of both Santiago rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Who has already qualified for the 2026 Copa Libertadores semi-finals?

Fluminense, Palmeiras and Estudiantes de La Plata have qualified. Fluminense meet Palmeiras, and Estudiantes await the winner of Flamengo against Independiente del Valle.

When are the Copa Libertadores semi-finals played?

CONMEBOL’s window for the first legs is 13 to 15 October 2026, with the return matches between 20 and 22 October. Exact dates and kick-off times are confirmed once the last quarter-final is played.

Who leads Chile’s Primera División in September 2026?

Colo-Colo are top with 54 points from 23 matches, twelve ahead of Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile on 42 points each, with seven rounds left.