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South America's most celebrated club football competition moved into its quarter
South America's most celebrated club football competition moved into its quarterfinal stage this week, with first-leg fixtures played on September 8 and 9. The 2026 Copa Libertadores field at this stage is dominated by clubs from Brazil — five of the eight remaining teams, including Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, Corinthians, and Cruzeiro — an unusually high concentration from one country in a region-wide tournament. Among the matches, Fluminense hosted Platense at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã, while Palmeiras faced Ecuador's LDU Quito and Corinthians met Argentina's Estudiantes. Return legs are scheduled for the following week, with the final due to be held in Montevideo, Uruguay. Long regarded as one of the most intensely supported club competitions in world football, the Libertadores consistently draws some of the continent's most passionate crowds. Who do you think will reach the final in Montevideo, and what makes this tournament feel different from other competitions to you?