Palmeiras and Flamengo contest Copa Libertadores final in Lima following fan death and travel disruptions

The Copa Libertadores final between Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Palmeiras took place in Lima, Perú, on Saturday, amid pre-match ceremonies, travel disruptions, and a fatal incident involving a fan.

The match, held at the Estadio Monumental, began 15 minutes late due to difficulties the teams encountered reaching the venue, authorities said.

The opening ceremony commenced around 4:00 p.m. local time. The spectacle featured large jerseys displayed on the field, music from Peruvian DJ Teba, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms provided by a group of percussionists known as baykuerones.

Following the musical performance, the Copa Libertadores trophy was brought onto the pitch by historical figures from both clubs. Former Palmeiras midfielder Felipe Melo and former Flamengo goalkeeper Julio César carried the trophy, accompanied by former Spanish international Carles Puyol.

Puyol, a World Cup 2010 champion, was an invited guest for the final. Minutes before the match, he was seen conversing with Alejandro Domínguez, the president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

The final was preceded by the death of a Palmeiras supporter on Friday in Lima. The fan, identified as 38-year-old Caue Brunelli, died after falling from an open-top tourist bus. Brunelli was traveling with other Palmeiras supporters along the Costa Verde beach circuit, near the Barranco district, when he fell onto the pavement, according to police and municipal guard reports cited by local media. While some reports suggested the victim was intoxicated and struck a bridge structure, local authorities have not yet confirmed these details.

Separately, Flamengo fans traveling to Lima via Cusco, Perú, faced significant travel issues on Friday night and Saturday morning. Several Latam flights scheduled for Friday night were canceled shortly before departure, with the airline reportedly stating the flights were rescheduled for a time when the terminal would be closed.

Passengers reported that initial alternatives offered by the airline would have resulted in them arriving in Lima only after the match concluded. After further negotiations on Saturday morning, the affected fans were able to secure flights to reach the final.

In Brazil, Flamengo supporters gathered at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro to watch the final on a giant screen.