How Palmeiras and Flamengo became South America's football superpowers

"With this year's final, one of these two Brazilian giants will have won five of the last seven editions, a run that underlines how both clubs have transformed themselves into South American super clubs, reshaping the competitive landscape in the process. Yet this final is more than another chapter in Brazil's dominance, broken only by River Plate's 2018 triumph in the past nine years. It marks the latest peak in a decade-long evolution that has seen Palmeiras and Flamengo grow into institutions with European-scale reach,"

"Whoever wins will become the Brazilian side with the most continental titles (four), and Brazil will draw level with Argentina on 25 Libertadores trophies even if Independiente, with seven crowns, remains the competition's most-decorated club. The final also carries extra significance domestically: Flamengo are five points clear of Palmeiras at the top of the league with two matches remaining, after the Verdao failed to win any of their last five their worst spell this season."

"And while the football takes centre stage, the setting brings complications of its own. Conmebol, the continent's governing body, has kept the final in the Peruvian capital despite a 30-day state of emergency amid rising violent crime and youth-led protests. Since adopting Uefa-style neutral single-match finals in 2019, the cost for travelling fans has soared. With travel around South America far less straightforward or affordable than in Europe, flying to Peru is now cheaper from London than from Sao Paulo or Rio,"

Palmeiras and Flamengo meet in the Copa Libertadores final, a contest that would give one club five wins in the last seven editions and underline Brazil's continental dominance. Both clubs have evolved into institutions with European-scale reach, resources and expectations, reshaping the Libertadores' transfer market and competitive balance. The winner becomes the Brazilian side with the most continental titles and will help Brazil draw level with Argentina on 25 trophies, while Independiente still holds the record with seven. Domestically Flamengo lead the league, Palmeiras are in poor form, and the Lima venue raises security and travel-cost concerns for fans.

Read at www.theguardian.com