We have midweek headlines from across the Americas, as the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana semifinals wrapped up, and Mexico has the Clasico Nacional to look forward to this Saturday.
Palmeiras Survives Late Libertadores Collapse Against LDU Quito
Palmeiras looked well on their way to the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, but late drama gave LDU Quito a chance at a monumental upset at home. Marlon Freitas and Luis Segovia split first-half goals for each team, with Freitas goal keeping Palmeiras up 2-1 on aggregate. Vitor Roque converted a penalty from a handball in the 73rd minute, as Palmeiras was controlling the run of play, but after 90 minutes, Quito came to life, Michael Estrada scored twice in extra time, making it 3-3 across both legs thanks to Estrada’s heading ability.
The match went to penalties and it was Carlos Miguel the Brazilian goalkeeper who lifted Palmeiras into the semifinals. Palmeiras, runners-up in 2025, are aiming to win their first Libertadoers since 2021.
Palmeiras will take on Fluminense in an all-Brazilian semifinal, Uruguayan international Agustin Canobbio scored in the second half to lift Fluminense 3-2 on aggregate over Platense in a match where they had just two shots on target.
Memphis Depay Misses a penalty and Estudiantes Beats Corinthians
Estudiantes are the pride of Argentina this week, they advanced 2-1 on aggregate over Corinthians in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores. Alexis Castro scored a golazo in the 87th minute away in Brazil, and then Memphis Depay skied the final act of the match, a penalty kick from a handball in the 101st minute to settle the match, that completed one of the best nights of South American football in some time. Estudiantes keeps their dream alive of a first Copa Libertadores title since 2009. Their opponents in the semifinal will be defending champion Flamengo, a club that reached their 5th Libertadores semifinal in eight years on Thursday.
Inter Miami Defeats Cruz Azul in Campeones Cup Final
Make it five trophies for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Messi scored a header and Casemiro added a second goal, as Inter Miami shockingly kept a clean sheet, with Canadian international Dayne St. Clair in goal, and beat Liga MX champions Cruz Azul by a 2-0 margin. Playing at home in Miami, it was the Herons who were ascendant. Since 2023, Inter Miami has won at least won trophy, and they remain one of the most dangerous sides in MLS.
Inter Miami will now lock in for the run in to the MLS playoffs, while Cruz Azul travels to Monterrey for a game on Saturday, sitting 4th on the Liga MX table currently. Toluca on September 26th will be their final game before the international break.
Boca Juniors to Face Vasco da Gama in Copa Sudamericana Semifinal
Boca Juniors can make the case they are the favorite against Vasco da Gama from Brazil in the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana. Boca drew with Sao Paulo in the second leg, and advanced 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Vasco handled Colombian side Santa Fe. With Vasco currently battling relegation domestically, sitting just outside of the zone of safety, they will have to balance focusing on winning a trophy and avoiding the drop.
Boca Juniors manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena pointed out that with this result, Boca Juniors remains alive in all three title competitions they entered.
The second semifinal will pit Atletico Mineiro against Uruguayan side Montevideo Torque. Mineiro won the second leg quarterfinal against domestic rivals Santos 4-2, Tomas Cuello scored in the 92nd minute to avoid an aggregate defeat, and then Mineiro won the penalty shootout. The match was high drama and high stakes. Torque got past Cienciano from Peru 3-2 on aggregate, completing a remontada.
James Rodriguez Assist Lifts Atletico Nacional on Debut
At least one big name signing during the recent transfer window got out of the blocks in good form, James Rodriguez came on in a 1-1 game, and instantly had an impact as Atletico Nacional emerged 3-2 winners over Inter de Bogota in stoppage time. In a game where Inter believed they could settle for a draw after scoring their second, Atletico Nacional pressed on and Rodriguez setup a Juan Manuel Zapata goal from a corner kick. Given his high wages, Atletico Nacional will be hoping for many more magic moments with James in the months ahead.
All Eyes on Club America vs Chivas Guadalajara on Saturday
It can be argued that a near-majority of Mexican football fans support either Club America or Chivas Guadalajara. On Saturday night, the teams clash in Liga MX’s Clasico Nacional in a match that pits #2 on the table against #3, raising the stakes in what has frequently been a defensively minded clash in recent years.
El Tri internationals Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado and goalkeeper Raul ‘Tala’ Rangel star for Chivas, while they have two teenagers in the starting XI, Santiago Sandoval, a rising forward, and midfielder Hugo Camberos.
The key man for Club America is attacking midfielder Brian Rodriguez from Uruguay, while veteran forward Henry Martin has returned to form and scored three times in Liga MX this season. Spanish midfielder Carlos Alvarez told Claro Sports he’s ready to debut for Las Aguilas in the Clasico.
The Last Word
South American football delivered everything this week: late goals, penalty shootouts, remontadas, missed penalties, and stars making their mark. Palmeiras survived a wild night in Quito, Estudiantes stunned Corinthians, and Boca Juniors remain alive on multiple fronts. Across the continent, James Rodriguez immediately made an impact with Atletico Nacional, while Lionel Messi added another trophy to his collection in Miami. Now, the focus shifts to Mexico, where Club America and Chivas meet in a Clasico Nacional with plenty on the line. The chaos of midweek football has set the stage for another huge weekend across the Americas.
Main Photo Credit: Imagn Images via Reuters Connect.
