Copa Libertadores: Flamengo's unbeaten run ends as Rosario Central stuns Rio giants
Even giants stumble. Flamengo, widely considered one of the favourites to lift the 2025 Copa Libertadores, saw their remarkable 27-match unbeaten streak come to an end with a shock 2-1 home defeat to Rosario Central.
This was only the second loss for the Brazilian club under manager Felipe Luis, but it came at a time when squad rotation hinted at where priorities lie—domestic league success. With several first-team regulars rested, Flamengo lacked their usual cutting edge at the Maracanã.
Rosario strike gold in Rio
The Argentine side took full advantage of Flamengo’s rotated squad, putting in a disciplined and clinical performance. Their victory not only handed Felipe Luis his second managerial defeat, but also ended Flamengo's long-standing dominance —a streak that dated back across 27 fixtures.
Elsewhere in South America
Palmeiras recorded their second group stage win, edging out Paraguay's Cerro Porteño thanks to a first-half strike from Ríos. It was a hard-fought match with few clear chances, but the Brazilian champions did enough to secure the three points.
Meanwhile, Vélez Sarsfield cruised past another Paraguayan side, Olimpia, delivering a 4-0 demolition away from home. The Argentines showcased their attacking strength with a ruthless performance that keeps them perfect in group play.
What’s next?
The Copa Libertadores group stage continues this week with more big names in action. But the shock defeat for Flamengo serves as a stark reminder: no side is invincible in South America's most prestigious club competition.
2025, Copa Libertadores
Day : 2025-04-10
"LDU" - "Deportivo Táchira" 2:0 (0:0)
Goals : Arce Al., 73 (1:0); Arce Al., 83 (2:0)
"Flamengo" - "Central" 1:2 (0:2)
Goals : Heredia, 24 (penalty) (0:1); Florentín, 44 (0:2); De La Cruz, 60 (1:2)
Yellow Cards : Pulgar 56; De La Cruz 77 -
"Nacional" - "Bahia" 0:1 (0:0)
Goals : Erick Pulga, 64 (0:1)
Yellow Cards : - Jean Lucas 11; Erick 45
"Bolívar" - "Sp. Cristal" 3:0 (2:0)
Goals : Fábio Gomes, 12 (penalty) (1:0); Vaca R., 44 (2:0); Vaca R., 58 (3:0)
"Palmeiras" - "Cerro Porteno" 1:0 (1:0)
Goals : Ríos, 41 (1:0)
"Olimpia" - "Vélez Sarsfield" 0:4 (0:1)
Goals : Romero, 25 (0:1); Romero, 49 (penalty) (0:2); Carrizo, 56 (0:3); Pizzini, 90+3 (0:4)
