Fluminense beat Platense 2-0 at the Maracana on Tuesday to take control of their Libertadores quarterfinal, and the ties continue on Wednesday. Palmeiras host Ecuador’s LDU Quito in São Paulo, while Estudiantes welcome Brazil’s Corinthians in La Plata.
Flamengo hold a slim one-point lead in Brazil’s Série A. The Rio club sit on 54 points after beating Remo, with Palmeiras on 53 following a goalless draw at Botafogo.
Mexico’s national team faces South Korea in Nashville. The friendly at 9 Sep 2026 offers Javier Aguirre’s side a test outside Concacaf before World Cup qualifying resumes.
Today’s headlines September 9, 2026
Event
Status
Angle
Palmeiras vs LDU Quito, Copa Libertadores QF first leg
Today, 9 Sep
Brazilian title chasers put domestic pressure aside to face the Ecuadorean league winners in São Paulo.
Estudiantes vs Corinthians, Copa Libertadores QF first leg
Today, 9 Sep
Argentine hosts aim to use their La Plata fortress against a Corinthians side revitalised in continental play.
Santos vs Atlético Mineiro, Copa Sudamericana QF first leg
Today, 9 Sep
Vila Belmiro stages an all-Brazil tie as Santos seek home advantage against Atlético Mineiro.
01
Tuesday’s other first legs were tighter. Boca Juniors edged São Paulo 1-0 at La Bombonera through Merentiel, against ten men, while Independiente Santa Fe and Vasco da Gama drew 0-0 in Bogotá.
Palmeiras switch focus to Libertadores after falling behind Flamengo
Preview
Palmeiras host LDU Quito on Wednesday at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, with kickoff set for the evening local time. The Brazilians enter the quarterfinal first leg after a frustrating 0–0 draw at Botafogo that cost them top spot in Série A.
LDU Quito reached this stage by winning their group and eliminating their last-16 opponent. The Ecuadorean club, based at altitude in Quito, must first survive the away leg before bringing Palmeiras to Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado on 16 September.
Abel Ferreira’s side have won the Libertadores twice in recent years and view the continental crown as their primary target. A home first-leg win would ease the pressure of the return trip to Quito, where thin air often drains Brazilian visitors.
In short — Palmeiras need a positive home result against LDU Quito to keep their Libertadores charge on track after losing the Série A lead.
Latin America Sports Daily for Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Estudiantes host Corinthians with Argentine-Brazilian rivalry renewed
Preview
Estudiantes de La Plata welcome Corinthians to Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi on Wednesday night. The Argentine side reached the quarterfinals with solid home form, while Corinthians progressed despite an inconsistent domestic campaign.
The second leg will be played on 16 September at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. Corinthians’ home crowd could prove decisive if the tie remains close after the first meeting in Argentina.
Both clubs have lifted the Libertadores before. That history adds weight to a tie that pairs two of South America’s most passionate fan bases.
In short — Estudiantes and Corinthians begin their Libertadores quarterfinal in La Plata before the decisive return leg in São Paulo.
03
Santos face Atlético Mineiro in all-Brazil Sudamericana clash
Preview
Santos host Atlético Mineiro at Vila Belmiro on Wednesday in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana quarterfinal. The all-Brazilian tie gives one club a clear path to continental silverware away from the Libertadores spotlight.
Atlético Mineiro return to Belo Horizonte for the second leg on 16 September at Arena MRV. A strong away result in Santos would leave the Minas Gerais club in control on home soil.
Santos’ legendary ground has witnessed decades of South American nights. Its tight pitch and raucous crowd offer a real advantage that Atlético must weather.
In short — An all-Brazil Sudamericana quarterfinal begins at Santos, with Atlético Mineiro aiming to take the tie back to Belo Horizonte on level terms or better.
04
Flamengo stay top of Série A by a point after Remo win
Result
Flamengo took over the Brazilian Série A lead after a 1–0 win away to Remo on the weekend. The result moved the Rio de Janeiro giants to 54 points from 26 matches, one clear of Palmeiras.
Palmeiras slipped to second after their 0–0 draw at Botafogo. Flamengo’s superior goal difference also provides a cushion if the two clubs finish level.
The title race remains open with 12 rounds left. Flamengo must balance their Libertadores quarterfinal trip to Independiente del Valle on Thursday with domestic duties against relegation-threatened sides.
In short — Flamengo lead Brazil’s Série A with 54 points, one ahead of Palmeiras, after round 26 results.
05
Mexico meet South Korea in Nashville friendly on Wednesday
Feature
Mexico’s national team continue their September window with a friendly against South Korea in Nashville on 9 September. The match offers manager Javier Aguirre a final tune-up before the Concacaf calendar resumes.
El Tri remain the region’s dominant force but face growing pressure from the USA and a resurgent Canada. Testing themselves against a World Cup-tested Asian side gives Aguirre data on his squad’s depth.
South Korea’s technical midfield and quick transitions present a different challenge to Concacaf opponents. The neutral-venue crowd should favour Mexico, giving the match a home atmosphere for El Tri.
In short — Mexico’s friendly against South Korea in Nashville serves as a competitive test outside the Concacaf comfort zone.
06
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
When and where is the Copa Libertadores quarterfinal between Palmeiras and LDU Quito?
The first leg is played on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil. The return leg is scheduled for 16 September at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, Ecuador.
Who leads the Brazilian Série A as of 9 September 2026?
Flamengo lead with 54 points from 26 matches. Palmeiras are second with 53 points after drawing 0–0 with Botafogo in round 26.
What is at stake in the Copa Sudamericana for Santos and Atlético Mineiro?
The winner of their all-Brazil quarterfinal advances to the semifinals. Santos host the first leg at Vila Belmiro on 9 September, with the return at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte on 16 September.
In short — Key questions cover Wednesday’s Libertadores fixtures, Flamengo’s Série A lead, and the all-Brazil Sudamericana tie between Santos and Atlético Mineiro.
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