Fluminense beat Platense and move closer to the Copa Libertadores semifinals

In a Copa Libertadores quarterfinal, mistakes can be fatal and experience can make the difference. Fluminense demonstrated both points at the Maracanã, beating Platense 2-0 in a first leg decided by two goals within ten minutes.

Nonato opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a run from midfield, and Hulk finished the job in the 31st. The result gave Fluminense a clear advantage before the return match Tuesday in Vicente López, while leaving Platense needing another memorable chapter in what has already been a historic adventure for the club.

The match followed the expected pattern. Fluminense controlled possession but initially struggled to threaten, while Platense occupied space and looked to attack quickly after winning the ball. With Luciano Giménez injured, the plan centered on using Nicolás Retamar’s speed to supply the new arrival. Franco Zapiola and Bautista Merlini, who favor circulation and control over a more direct game, began on the bench and entered after halftime.

Fluminense’s experience was visible throughout the lineup. The team had three players aged 40 or more: goalkeeper Fábio, 45, defender Thiago Silva, 41, and Hulk, 40. Playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso, 36, remained the side’s steady organizer. The team returned to the possession-based identity associated with its 2023 Libertadores title, when it beat Boca Juniors in the final.

Platense applied more pressure after halftime and came close through Franco Fagúndez, whose shot struck the crossbar. Fluminense held firm, and goalkeeper Fábio made the advantage stand. The series will be decided Tuesday.