Leonardo Jardim wins his first Libertadores match, Abel draws.

Flamengo, coached by Leonardo Jardim = the defending champions = started their 2026 Libertadores campaign with a victory. Meanwhile, Palmeiras, coached by Abel Ferreira = the losing finalist = began the competition with a draw.

In Peru, Flamengo visited Cusco FC, who currently occupy sixth place in the Peruvian League. In the end, Leonardo Jardim’s team won 2-0.

The goals only came in the second half. Just before the hour mark, Brazilian international Bruno Henrique opened the scoring (59th minute). Giorgian de Arrascaeta came off the bench in the 85th minute and sealed the 2-0 victory in stoppage time (90+2nd minute).

With this victory (2-0), Flamengo takes the lead in Group A with three points. In the same group, Estudiantes (Argentina) and Independiente Medellín (Colombia) drew 1-1. On the other hand, Abel Ferreira did not have the best start to the new edition of the Libertadores. The Palmeiras coach visited Colombia = to face Junior Barranquilla = with the final result being a draw (1-1).

The home team took an early lead. Ten minutes into the game, Teofilo Gutiérrez, an experienced former Sporting striker, scored the first goal of the match from the penalty spot.

Palmeiras ‘ response came after the first 45 minutes. Ramón Sosa came off the bench at halftime and didn’t need much time to get on the scoresheet. The Paraguayan striker, formerly of Nottingham Forest, leveled the score again in the 55th minute.

With no further goals in the match, the final whistle signaled a draw (1-1). Palmeiras thus remains in second place in Group F with one point. In the same group, Sporting Cristal (Peru) defeated Cerro Porteño (Paraguay) 1-0.