In a tightly contested match at Maracanã Stadium, Flamengo secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Argentina’s Racing Club in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal series. Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal emerged as the hero, netting the decisive goal in the 88th minute. The three-time Libertadores champions are now one step closer to reclaiming the title they last won in 2022 and continuing Brazil’s dominance in the tournament, with seven of the past eight titles going to Brazilian clubs. The second leg is set to take place next Wednesday in Buenos Aires, with the final scheduled for November 29 at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru. Racing Club, making their first semifinal appearance since 1997, are striving to end a 56-year drought and claim their first Copa Libertadores title since 1967. Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, Ecuador’s LDU will face Palmeiras on Thursday. LDU, having already eliminated two Brazilian clubs in the knockout stages, are aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2008. Palmeiras, a three-time champion, advanced after defeating Argentina’s River Plate in the quarterfinals.
Carrascal’s late goal lifts Flamengo over Racing Club in Copa Libertadores semifinals
