Hulk puts Fluminense on the brink of the Libertadores semifinals

Hulk’s unfinished business in the Copa Libertadores moved closer to resolution on Tuesday, when the veteran striker led Fluminense to a 2-0 victory over Platense at the Maracanã.

The 40-year-old forward assisted Nonato for the opening goal in the 21st minute, then scored Fluminense’s second ten minutes later. It was Hulk’s first Libertadores goal in a Fluminense shirt.

Hulk has scored 16 goals in the continental competition during his time with Atlético Mineiro, where he came close to winning the trophy. He played in the 2024 final and wept after losing to Botafogo. In 2021, Palmeiras eliminated Atlético Mineiro in the semifinals and went on to lift the title.

Platense, coached by former striker Martín Palermo, now faces a difficult task in its first Libertadores campaign, although the Argentine side remains alive. Goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani made a crucial late save to prevent Fluminense from extending its advantage.

The return leg will be played next Tuesday at Vicente López Stadium. The winner will meet the winner of the quarterfinal between Palmeiras and Liga de Quito, which begins Wednesday in São Paulo.