Peñarol shocks Flamengo 1-0 in Copa Libertadores quarterfinal

In a surprising turn of events, Peñarol secured a 1-0 victory over Flamengo in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal match held at Maracanã Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Javier Cabrera found the net, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Maximiliano Silvera. This victory marks Peñarol's first win against Flamengo at this venue since 2019, showcasing their resilience as underdogs in the tournament. Peñarol, a club with a rich history as five-time Copa Libertadores champions, has faced challenges in recent editions of the tournament. This year, however, they have made a significant impact by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2011, when they finished as runners-up. Their performance against Flamengo highlights a potential resurgence for the team, which has struggled to find its footing in recent years. Flamengo, on the other hand, invested over $50 million in the offseason to strengthen their squad, aiming to secure their fourth Copa Libertadores title. Despite their efforts, they were unable to capitalize on their home advantage in this match, leaving them with the task of overcoming a deficit in the second leg. The outcome of this match sets the stage for an intriguing second leg, where Flamengo will need to regroup and strategize to advance in the tournament. Peñarol's victory not only boosts their confidence but also positions them favorably as they await the winner of the Botafogo and Sao Paulo series, which is currently tied 0-0.