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Fluminense Stuns Internacional with Late Comeback to Book First Copa Libertadores Final

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  • Fluminense Stuns Internacional with Late Comeback to Book First Copa Libertadores Final
Fluminense Stuns Internacional with Late Comeback to Book First Copa Libertadores Final
By Lesego Lehari, Jul 31 2025 / Sports

Fluminense's Dramatic Turnaround on International Stage

No one at Beira-Rio Stadium on that October night expected the rollercoaster that unfolded. Internacional seemed poised for another historic run in the Copa Libertadores after veteran midfielder Gabriel Mercado’s first-half strike put them in control. With more than 60 minutes on the clock and Fluminense seemingly out of ideas, the crowd in Porto Alegre grew louder by the minute, sniffing a final within reach.

But Fluminense had other plans. After drawing 2-2 in the first leg back in Rio de Janeiro, they knew scoring away would be everything. The turning point came as the game ticked into its final ten minutes. Substitute John Kennedy, barely 21 and dripping with adrenaline, darted into the box and tucked home an equalizer few thought possible. Sensing an opening, Fluminense pushed forward. Only three minutes later, Argentine striker Germán Cano coolly slotted home a clinical finish, silencing the home crowd and crushing Internacional’s hopes. For a team often overshadowed by Brazil’s bigger clubs, Fluminense’s late flurry was pure drama.

A Place in History for Fluminense

A Place in History for Fluminense

This wasn’t just another cup match—this was Fluminense’s shot at redemption after the heartbreak of 2008 when they fell just short in the Libertadores final. The last time they got this close, the dream ended in tears. This time, the energy was different. You could feel it from the snake-haired flares to the final whistle: belief, grit, and maybe even destiny on their side.

Key to their story were Kennedy’s lightning pace and Cano’s reliable finishing. The pair didn’t let nerves control them, even as Internacional threatened all night. And despite Mercado’s decisive opener, Internacional’s attack faded late under Fluminense’s relentless energy.

The victory didn’t just hand Fluminense a spot in the final. It erased years of near-misses and frustrations for the loyal Rio fans. Days later, over 78,000 packed Maracanã for the ultimate showdown against Boca Juniors—a Brazilian vs. Argentine classic. In front of a sea of green, Flu walked away with their first-ever Copa Libertadores crown, completing the journey that started with that frantic semifinal comeback.

Beyond the trophy, reaching the final booked Fluminense’s ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup, giving them a new stage to test themselves against the world’s best. But for many, the wild night in Porto Alegre will be remembered as the moment the underdog from Rio rose up, shook off its underachiever reputation, and changed its own history.

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    Fluminense Copa Libertadores semifinal Internacional
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Comments

Dr Nimit Shah

Dr Nimit Shah

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July 31, 2025 AT 20:05

Flu's late surge is a textbook example of why Brazilian football still commands respect on the continent. The depth of talent across the league means even a club that’s often in the shadow of the giants can rise when it matters most.

Ketan Shah

Ketan Shah

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August 13, 2025 AT 13:39

That night in Porto Alegre really highlighted the cultural tapestry of South American football – passion, drama, and a shared history that makes every Libertadores match feel like a festival.

Aryan Pawar

Aryan Pawar

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August 26, 2025 AT 07:12

Those kids showed pure heart and stamina they turned the game around fast they deserved the cheers

Shritam Mohanty

Shritam Mohanty

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September 8, 2025 AT 00:45

Honestly, no one can ignore the suspicious timing of those VAR decisions – it looked like the officials were protecting the traditional powerhouses while the underdogs were left to fend for themselves.

Anuj Panchal

Anuj Panchal

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September 20, 2025 AT 18:19

From a tactical standpoint, Flu’s high‑press transition in the final minutes exploited the spatial vacuums left by Internacional’s midfield overload, allowing Kennedy’s diagonal runs to create overloads on the right flank and freeing Cano for that clinical finish.

Prakashchander Bhatt

Prakashchander Bhatt

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October 3, 2025 AT 11:52

It’s inspiring to see a team bounce back with such belief – the fans deserve every moment of celebration that follows this historic win.

Mala Strahle

Mala Strahle

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October 16, 2025 AT 05:25

There is something profoundly poetic about an underdog rising at the eleventh hour, a narrative thread that has woven itself through football folklore for generations. In moments like these, the sport transcends mere competition and becomes a canvas for collective hope. The green of Flu’s jersey, drenched in sweat and dust, mirrors the verdant aspirations of a city that has long waited for redemption. When Kennedy sprinted into the box, he wasn’t just a player; he embodied the aspirations of every supporter who has ever felt overlooked. The stadium’s roar, initially a hostile tide, gradually transformed into a chorus of vindication. Such shifts illustrate how crowds are dynamic entities, feeding off the energy they perceive on the pitch. The goal by Cano was not merely a strike; it was a statement that perseverance can rewrite destiny. History has shown us countless instances where perseverance outshines talent, and this night is a fresh example. The psychological momentum swing demonstrated how morale can be as decisive as tactics. Moreover, the resilience displayed reflects broader societal narratives about overcoming systemic neglect. It reminds us that even in rigid hierarchies, disruption is possible when conviction aligns with opportunity. The aftermath, with tens of thousands flocking to the Maracanã, underscores how a single match can galvanize a community. In the end, Flu’s journey to their first Libertadores crown will be recounted not just as a sports achievement but as a cultural milestone. It serves as a beacon for any club that dares to dream beyond the shadow of established giants. And perhaps, most importantly, it reaffirms the beautiful truth that football, at its core, is a democratic arena where anyone can write their own legend.

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