Latin America Sports Daily for Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Palmeiras carry Brazilian hopes into a hostile Asunción night

Preview

Palmeiras visit Cerro Porteño on Wednesday with the Copa Libertadores last-16 tie finely poised at 1–1. The first leg finished level at Allianz Parque on 12 August.

The second leg kicks off at 7pm local time at Estadio Ueno La Nueva Olla, also known as General Pablo Rojas, in Asunción. Argentine referee Facundo Tello will take charge, with Héctor Paletta on VAR.

Palmeiras are looking to reach the quarter-finals and keep alive their bid for a fourth continental crown. Cerro Porteño want to spring a shock in front of their own supporters.

The winner will advance to a September quarter-final. The final is set for 28 November in Montevideo.

Flamengo and Cruzeiro replay their first-leg stalemate at the Maracanã

Preview

Flamengo host Cruzeiro on Wednesday night with the tie deadlocked at 1–1. The first leg was played on 12 August at the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.

Kick-off at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro is 9:30pm local time. It is the only all-Brazilian tie in this round of the Libertadores.

Flamengo are the defending champions and are chasing another deep run. Cruzeiro are aiming to upset one of the tournament favourites.

A draw on the night would send the tie to penalties. The aggregate score is level, and away goals no longer decide South American knockout ties.

Earthquake reshuffles Tolima’s Libertadores tie

Feature

Deportes Tolima’s Libertadores tie against Independiente del Valle was postponed after the 10 August earthquake in Colombia. The first leg was moved to Tuesday, 18 August in Ibagué.

The second leg will now be played on 25 August at the Banco Guayaquil Stadium in Quito. That is five days later than the last of the other round-of-16 second legs.

The delay was a necessary response to a natural disaster that affected the region. It also forces both clubs into a longer preparation window before the decisive match.

The winner already knows its quarter-final opponent, because the bracket was set at the round-of-16 draw. Independiente del Valle have won the Sudamericana twice, in 2019 and 2022, and lead this tie 1–0 after winning the first leg in Ibagué. They are dangerous knockout opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is the aggregate score between Cerro Porteño and Palmeiras?

The tie is level at 1–1 after the first leg at Allianz Parque on 12 August. The second leg is played on Wednesday in Asunción.

When is the Copa Libertadores final?

The 2026 Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for 28 November in Montevideo. The semi-finals are in October.

Which Copa Sudamericana tie was postponed?

Santa Fe vs River Plate was postponed after the Colombian earthquake. The first leg is now played on Wednesday at 8:30pm ET.