Palmeiras Advances to Libertadores Semifinal, Aims for Three Titles in 2026

Palmeiras defeated LDU de Quito on penalties, securing their spot in the Libertadores 2026 semifinal, which has generated significant interest from fans and the press. The result also raised the club's total prize money for the year to over R$ 60 million.

Semifinal Qualification and the Value of Victory

After a 1-1 aggregate draw – a 1-0 win in the first leg and a 3-2 loss in the return leg – "Verdão" won the penalty shootout thanks to two saves by Carlos Miguel. This qualification brought the club R$ 11.85 million, adding to the R$ 5 million from the Paulista championship, R$ 18 million accumulated in the Copa do Brasil up to the semifinal, and R$ 25.84 million obtained in the Libertadores up to the quarterfinals.

Coaching Staff's Comments on the Match

Vitor Castanheira, Abel Ferreira's assistant, explained that the team did not relax during the match in Quito, even though they conceded two goals in stoppage time. He highlighted the nearly 3,000-meter altitude as a factor that influenced the game's progression and emphasized that the "penalty curse" was broken by Carlos Miguel's decisive saves.

Next Challenges: Fluminense in the Semifinal

Palmeiras' next opponent will be Fluminense, with the semifinal matches scheduled between October 14 and 22. Should they reach the final, the club could receive R$ 34 million as runner-up or R$ 78 million as champion.

Financial Impact and Club Goals

With this qualification, Palmeiras has already accumulated R$ 20.85 million in extra earnings from the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores, exceeding conservative goals of reaching the quarterfinals. The total prize money for the year has reached R$ 60.69 million, reinforcing the importance of sporting results for the club's financial health.

Immediate Schedule

In addition to the semifinal, Palmeiras returns to the field on Sunday, the 20th, against Grêmio in the 28th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, maintaining a busy schedule as they seek to consolidate their 2026 campaign.

With information from ge, CNN Brasil.