Correa returns, Depay settles – Copa Libertadores quarterfinals clash
In the Copa Libertadores the Mannschaften head into the Viertelfinale, with Estudiantes de La Plata meeting Corinthians in one of two Argentine‑Brazilian Duellen that promise contrasting storylines.
Estudiantes’ resurgence after a dramatic return
Estudiantes earned their Viertelfinale spot by beating the Chilean Vertreter Universidad Católica in the Achtelfinale, a tie marked by the Rückkehr of Joaquín “Tucu” Correa. After eleven and a half years in European Fußball with FC Sevilla, Lazio Rom and Inter Mailand, the Angreifer rejoined his Jugendklub.
Correa’s impact was immediate: after a 1:1 draw in the Hinspiel, he scored the opening goal of a 3:0 victory that sent “La Pincharrata” to the Viertelfinale for the third time in six editions. The last time they advanced beyond this stage they captured the Finale against Cruzeiro in 2009.
Corinthians’ path marked by star power and contract drama
Corinthians secured their Viertelfinale place by overcoming Rosario Central, a tie that featured a duel between Jesse Lingard and Ángel di María, with the English forward enjoying the better end. The headlines, however, were dominated by Memphis Depay.
Corinthians initially rejected Depay’s Vertragsverlängerung at the last minute, but days later both parties reached an agreement after further concessions. Depay celebrated the deal by assisting Breno Bidon, who netted the sole goal in the Rückspiel.
Other quarterfinal narratives and historic echoes
The second Viertelfinale remains unsettled: the clash between Deportes Tolima and Independiente del Valle was postponed after a severe earthquake in Colombia, leaving only the first leg – a 1:0 win for Independiente del Valle – completed.
The eventual winner will face defending champion Flamengo, who eliminated Cruzeiro under Leonardo Jardim. Jardim guided Cruzeiro to third place in the 2025 league and took over Flamengo in March, delivering a 3:2 aggregate triumph.
Palmeiras entered the Viertelfinale after a hard‑fought Rückspiel against Cerro Porteño, breaking a small curse with their only win in the four‑match series that dates back to 2018. Their next opponent, LDU Quito, seeks revenge for the previous year’s dramatic 0‑3 to 4‑3 turnaround that sent Palmeiras to the Finale, where they fell to Flamengo.
Fluminense’s journey featured a penalty shootout victory over Independiente Rivadavia, highlighted by 45‑year‑old goalkeeper Fábio saving two spot‑kicks. Coach Luis Zubeldía was dismissed after the first leg, with co‑coach Marcao stepping in for his eighth interim spell, assisted by Thiago Silva.
In another Argentine tie, Platense, coached by former striker Martín Palermo, made their Libertadores debut by beating Corinthians 2‑0 away. After a penalty shootout win over Coquimbo Unido, “El Calamar” now aims to continue the surprise factor in the Viertelfinale.