Fluminense advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores 2026 after a dramatic night in Mendoza, where they drew 1-1 with Independiente Rivadavia and triumphed 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The Brazilian side's goalkeeper, Fábio, was instrumental in their victory, saving two penalties during the shootout.

Match Overview

The match was marked by a red card, a late equalizer, and a tense shootout. After a goalless draw in the first leg at the Maracanã, the second leg proved to be equally competitive. Fluminense initially took the lead in the second half through Kevin Serna, who scored despite his team being reduced to ten men. However, Independiente Rivadavia equalized in stoppage time with a penalty converted by Alex Arce, sending the match to penalties.

First Half Dynamics

Independiente Rivadavia started strong at the Malvinas Argentinas, aiming to leverage their home advantage. However, Fluminense dominated possession for much of the first half, holding nearly 70% of the ball. Despite this control, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, with Hulk and Thiago Silva only managing a few chances from set pieces, leaving the score at 0-0.

Turning Point and Late Drama

The game shifted dramatically in the 57th minute when Fluminense's Agustín Canobbio received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten players. This numerical advantage seemed to favor Independiente Rivadavia, but Fluminense adapted by defending deeper and looking for counter-attacking opportunities. In the 75th minute, Kevin Serna, who had just come on as a substitute, scored to put Fluminense ahead 1-0. However, a late handball by Ignácio led to a VAR review and a penalty for Independiente Rivadavia, which Arce converted, leveling the match at 1-1 and forcing a shootout.

Ultimately, Fluminense's resilience paid off as they secured their spot in the next round, with Fábio's heroics in the shootout sealing the victory.