Canobbio sent off in the rematch, but Fluminense advances to Libertadores quarterfinals on penalties

Some red cards sting more than others, and the one shown to Agustin Canobbio falls squarely into that category. The Uruguayan picked up a second yellow in the 57th minute of the round of 16 second leg of the 2026 Copa Libertadores between Independiente Rivadavia and Fluminense, and from that point on he had to watch the rest of the tie like any other fan: from the outside, powerless to help.

What stands out is that the match never fell apart. Playing a man down, Fluminense managed to draw 1-1 (the same scoreline as the first leg) and push the series to penalties. There, the shootout finished 5-4 in favor of the Brazilian club, sealing their spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Canobbio didn't stay quiet about it. The day after the game, the 27-year-old forward posted a message on social media reflecting on what it felt like to watch the ending unfold from the locker room or the stands, unable to be out there with his teammates.

Yesterday, I had to watch the game from a place nobody wants to be in. It's time to learn from it and move forward.Agustin Canobbio

After that first, more self critical reflection, the Uruguayan turned his message toward the group. And that's where the relief of advancing despite the adverse circumstances came through.

Proud of this team, which never stopped believing and fought until the end. We're in the quarterfinals. Let's go!Agustin Canobbio

A message that sums up the moment

It's no small thing for a player who was sent off to speak up just hours after the match. Many would rather let the moment pass, but Canobbio chose to own the situation while also highlighting the collective effort it took to hold the result with a man down for more than half an hour.

Fluminense already knows what it's like to grind out a spot in the next round: the aggregate draw and the shootout confirmed that the series against Independiente Rivadavia was anything but routine. Now, with Canobbio back from suspension, the Rio de Janeiro club will turn its attention to the next quarterfinal opponent, while the player himself treats his sending off as one more lesson in a season that, for now, remains alive in the Libertadores.