Fluminense and Palmeiras open Libertadores semifinal at the Maracana

The Maracana is decked out for a semifinal. Fluminense and Palmeiras meet this Wednesday, October 14, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals, and everything points to a tie that will come down to fine margins. Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. (ARG/URU/CHI) and 7:30 p.m. (COL/PER/ECU), streaming live via Disney+'s Premium plan for South America.

There's no need to oversell what's on the line here: the winner of this tie advances to the final of the continent's biggest club tournament. With that prize at stake, it's no surprise both squads are focused solely on this matchup, well aware that the margin for error will be razor thin in a series that figures to be tightly contested.

The names who could tip the scales

For Fluminense, all eyes are on the midfield. Martinelli is the engine of the team, the one pulling the strings, while Ganso brings the composure and the final pass in the buildup. Up top, Venezuelan winger Yeferson Soteldo is a constant headache for defenders in one-on-one situations, and Hulk remains the go-to man who decides games with goals.

On the other side, Palmeiras has Gustavo Gomez as its guarantee of solidity at the back, the one who organizes and steadies the defense. Further up the field, the trio of Jhon Arias, Flaco Lopez and Vitor Roque is a nightmare for any opponent. And there's one name on a real hot streak: Agustin Giay, who scored twice in Verdao's last outing, is cementing his spot at right back and is also starting to draw serious interest from the Argentina national team.

How both teams arrive

Fluminense didn't close out the weekend well, falling 0-1 to Flamengo in the derby, a result that always stings regardless of the Libertadores context. Palmeiras, meanwhile, arrives brimming with confidence after thrashing Corinthians 4-1 in its last Brasileirao fixture.

The recent history between these two sides adds extra spice to the buildup. The last time they met was on August 15, in matchday 23 of the Brasileirao, and the result was 3-2 in favor of Fluminense. Hulk, Kevin Serna and German Cano scored for the Cariocas that day, while Gustavo Gomez and Mauricio pulled goals back for the Paulistas. A precedent that makes clear that when these two clash, goals tend to follow.

With that recent form and the weight of a Libertadores semifinal bearing down on them, the Maracana is set for one of those nights that will be fought tooth and nail right up to the final whistle.