Martinelli Still a Doubt for Copa Libertadores Semifinal Second Leg Against Palmeiras
Fluminense midfielder Martinelli remains a doubt for the Copa Libertadores semifinal second leg against Palmeiras on October 21, 2026, after sustaining a left knee sprain during the first leg, according to multiple reports. The crucial clash takes place at Nubank Parque in São Paulo, where Fluminense must overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg played at the Maracanã.
Knee Sprain Forces Late Lineup Consideration for Fluminense
Martinelli sustained a left knee sprain during the first half of the opening semifinal match and was substituted at halftime, according to reports. The midfielder traveled with the squad to São Paulo and underwent a physical test during the pre-match warm-up, but his availability remains under evaluation. He will undergo further assessment upon the team’s return to Rio de Janeiro.
Marcão Adjusts Midfield and Confirms Probable Lineup
With Martinelli’s status uncertain, manager Marcão adjusted the midfield by deploying Hércules and Nonato alongside Ganso. The probable Fluminense lineup is: Fábio; Guga, Thiago Silva, Millán and Renê; Hércules, Nonato and Ganso; Savarino, Canobbio and Hulk. Manager Marcão kept experienced striker Germán Cano on the bench alongside young forward Wesley Natã.
Fluminense’s traveling squad for the match includes goalkeepers Fábio, Marcelo Pitaluga, and Vitor Eudes; defenders Ignácio, Thiago Silva, Igor Rabello, and Millán; full-backs Renê, Arana, Guga, and Samuel Xavier; midfielders Ruan Sales, Hércules, Martinelli, Otávio, Lucho Acosta, Nonato, and Ganso; and forwards Wesley Natã, Hulk, Canobbio, Castillo, Savarino, Serna, Germán Cano, and Soteldo.
Historical Odds and Semifinal Stakes at Nubank Parque
Fluminense enters the fixture facing a steep historical disadvantage in away matches against Palmeiras in São Paulo. Reports note that in their last 11 away games against Palmeiras, the Rio de Janeiro club has managed only one victory, alongside two draws and eight defeats, including a streak of eight consecutive losses between 2015 and 2021. To reach the 2026 Copa Libertadores final, Fluminense needs a victory by a two-goal margin, while a win by a single goal would force a penalty shootout. A draw or any win for Palmeiras advances the home side, given their 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg.
Beyond the current semifinal, historical knockout encounters between the clubs in official competitions have always favored the São Paulo side, including the 1960 Campeonato Brasileiro semifinal, the 2002 Copa dos Campeões quarterfinals, and the 2015 Copa Brasil semifinal where Palmeiras won 2-1 in regulation and advanced on penalties before capturing the title.
What Time Does the Copa Libertadores Semifinal Start?
What time does the Copa Libertadores semifinal second leg start?
The match between Palmeiras and Fluminense begins at 9:30 PM Brasília time on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Nubank Parque in São Paulo, as reported.
What was the score of the first leg between Fluminense and Palmeiras?
Palmeiras defeated Fluminense 2-1 in the first leg of the semifinal played at the Maracanã, according to reports.
Who are the notable players missing for Fluminense besides Martinelli?
Alongside Martinelli, Fluminense is missing John Kennedy due to injury, while Alisson and Matheus Reis remain in athletic transition, as detailed in match reports.