Colorado and Fluzao faced off aiming to reach the continent’s marquee final in the Copa Libertadores
The 2023 Copa Libertadores de América crowned its first finalist as Fluminense clinched a 2-1 victory over Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium, setting up a showdown against either Boca Juniors or Palmeiras in the Maracanã. Fluminense needed a comeback to advance after a tightly contested 2-2 draw in the first leg, a match they survived with ten men for much of the time.
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The Flu movement initially lagged behind as the home side pressed early, with Gabriel Mercado delivering a pivotal set piece finish to put Internacional ahead. The situation suggested a Colorado triumph, as they created several clear chances through Enner Valencia, their standout attacker, who could not convert any of them.
Between the 81st and 87th minutes, Fluminense sparked a fierce comeback. Kennedy entered and immediately changed the game, followed by Germán Cano, the prolific scorer who also found the net in the first leg. Under coach Odair Diniz, Fluminense now eyes their first Libertadores crown in this campaign.
Minute by minute: Internacional vs Fluminense in the return leg of the 2023 Copa Libertadores semi-finals
The live, detailed recap of Internacional against Fluminense for the 2023 Copa Libertadores semi-finals: videos, lineups, goals and pivotal moments
- FLUMINENSE GOAL! Germán Cano, the scorer, makes it 2-1 and pushes Fluminense toward final qualification.
- FLU EQUALIZER! Ten minutes remain as Kennedy levels the tie, pushing proceedings toward penalties for the moment.
- INTER GOAL! Gabriel Mercado opens the scoring for Internacional.
- Both teams are shaping the race to the final, each craving the continent’s top prize.